【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known popularly by his stage name Moli?re, is regarded as one of the masters of French comedic drama. When Moli?re began acting in Paris there were two well-established theatrical companies, those of the H?tel de Bourgogne and the Marais. Joining these theatrical companies would have been impossible for a new member of the acting profession like Moli?re and thus he performed with traveling troupes of actors in the French provinces. It was during this period that Moli?re would refine his skills as both an actor and a writer. Eventually his reputation would increase allowing him to return to Paris where he gained the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orl?ans, the brother of the King of France, Louis XIV. In this volume one of Moli?re’s most popular works is presented, one in which the author draws upon his bourgeoisie upbringing in 17th century France. “The Misanthrope” is a comedy of errors which s...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞A classic Chinese text dating from the 6th century BC, the “Tao Te Ching” or “Book of the Way” consists of 81 short poems that unfold the spiritual nature of Taoism, one of the ancient Chinese religions. In describing the universal life force implicit in all things, this work shows readers a path that teaches contentment and balance. The simple language of Lao Tzu’s manual on the art of living, essentially encourages being humble, temperate, and considerate in the face of life’s predicaments. The wisdom of being a part of the Tao leads to a serenity of spirit that improves all aspects of human life, from the demands of work and family, to the dealing with life’s joys and difficulties. An essential for the meditation of Taoists for thousands of years, the “Tao Te Ching” is as beneficial and informative as it is enduring. This edition is translated with commentary by James Legge.＜/p＞画面が切り替わりますので、しばら...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Thomas More, a 16th century English lawyer, statesman, and philosopher, was one of the most controversial figures of his time. More opposed the Protestant reformation and denied the King’s position as head of the Church of England. This act would ultimately lead to his trial for treason andexecution. Despite his tragic downfall, he will forever be remembered for his pioneering work “Utopia.” Thomas More first coined the word utopia in his 1516 book of the same name. Although the concept of a near perfect society dates back at least to the period of classical antiquity, it is Thomas More’s work that would establish itself as the most famous example of this genre of literature. More’s “Utopia” is described as an idealized island community upon which perfect social harmony has been achieved, all property is community owned, violence is nonexistent and everyone has the opportunity to work and live in an environment of r...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞The second Theban play written by Sophocles, “Oedipus Rex,” or “Oedipus the King,” is the drama which chronologically begins the Oedipus cycle. After Laius, King of Thebes, learns from an oracle that he is doomed to perish by the hand of his own son, he binds the feet of his newborn child and orders his wife Jocasta to kill the infant. Unable to kill her own child, Jocasta entrusts a servant with the task instead, who takes the baby to a mountaintop to die of exposure. A passing shepherd rescues the baby and names it Oedipus, or “swollen feet”, taking it with him to Corinth where it is raised by the childless King Polybus as if it were his own. When Oedipus hears a rumor that he is not the biological son of Polybus, he seeks the counsel of the Oracle of Delphi who relates to him the prophecy of patricide. Still believing that Polybus is his father he flees Corinth thusinitiating a series of events that would fulfill ...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Passed along for centuries through oral tradition by the followers of Buddhism, “The Dhammapada” is a collection of sayings by Buddha which concisely presents the religion’s core philosophies. Widely recognized as one of the most accessible works of all the Buddhist scriptures, the verses of the work describe events in the life of Buddha through which the wisdom of Buddha’s beliefs are revealed. Unlike the proscriptive nature of the scriptures of other religions those of the Buddhist religion are not overly dogmatic but rather are intended to evoke thought and inspire debate around the principal struggles that humanity faces. This philosophical approach arises from the core belief in Buddhism that the perceived reality of all things is ultimately transitory in nature. What is the source of happiness in life? How can spiritual peace be obtained? The Buddhist religion seeks to set its followers on a path towards discover...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞It is estimated that the origins of the “Bhagavad Gita”, a 700 verse Hindu scripture which is part of the larger “Mahabharata” was originally composed as early as the 9th century BC. Ascribed to the Sage Vyasa, the “Bhagavad Gita” is a classic work of Hindu scripture which relatesthe story of Prince Arjuna who is faced with a decision with serious moral consequence, whether or not to go to war. With the armies arrayed on the battlefield, Arjuna in a moment of hesitation is counseled by Vishnu, the Supreme God, who takes the form of Krishna wearing the disguise of a charioteer. This work along with its larger counterpart the “Mahabharata” has been described as one of the most important works of scripture ever composed. A classic tale of Hindu spirituality, the “Bhagavad Gita” provides great insight into dealing with the morally ambiguous challenges that face usall. This edition has been translated into English pro...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Considered by many as Johann Goethe’s magnum opus, “Faust” has a peculiar history of composition and publication. What began as a project in Goethe’s youth, at the age of twenty, in 1769, “Faust” would not fully be completed until 1831 very near the end of the author’s life. Based on the German legend of Johann Georg Faust, a magician of the German Renaissance who reportedly gained his mystical powers by selling his immortal soul to the devil, the Faustian legend has forever come to symbolize the inherent peril in dealing with unscrupulous characters and supernatural forces. Presented here in this volume is the first part of “Faust”, which begins with a prologue in heaven in which we find god challenging the devil that he cannot lead astray one of his favorite scholars, Dr. Faust. The devil, known in the play as Mephistopheles, accepts the challenge and so beginsthe struggle of Faust between the allure of supernat...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞First performed at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark, on December 21, 1879, “A Doll’s House” is one of Henrik Ibsen’s most famous plays. It is the story of Nora Helmer who has secretly borrowed a large sum of money to help her husband recover from a serious illness, sometime prior to the beginning of the play. Nora who has borrowed this money by forging her father’s signature soon fears that her secret will be discovered when her husband, Torvald, becomes director of the bank and fires an associate, Nils Krogstad, who knows of Nora’s transgression. When Krogstad threatens to reveal Nora’s secret, she begs her husband not to reinstate him, however, he refuses. The tension that arises in Nora and Torvald’s marriage ultimately comes to a head when Torvald finally learns of the forgery. A gripping drama about a failing, loveless marriage, “A Doll’s House” was very controversial when it debuted, because of its...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Originally published in 1532, nearly five years after the author’s death, “The Prince” is a pioneering work of modern political philosophy for which Niccolo Machiavelli is best remembered. Intended to be a treatise on ruling for princes, “The Prince” is one of the world’s first and most impactful works of political science. In the book Machiavelli offers many bits of practical advice on how to rule and even though the book was written in the early 16th century the ideas are still very relevant today. Where “The Prince” differs from other political literature is in its separation of the lofty idealism of morality and ethics from the practical demands of governing. It is this very aspect of Machiavelli’s work that has made his name synonymous with an almost immoral opportunism. It has been argued that Machiavelli himself was not quite as devious in reality as his work would suggest but that he takes up this style in...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Greek-speaking philosopher Epictetus was born into slavery around 55 AD at Hierapolis in the ancient Kingdom of Phrygia, which today is located in the city of Pamukkale, Turkey. He lived in Rome until his banishment from the city, after which he would spend the rest of his life in the Northwestern Greek city of Nicopolis. Epictetus was one of the most prominent of the stoic philosophers. Stoicism was the school of philosophy that taught detachment from one’s emotions so that truth may be arrived at through reason. To the stoic this detachment allows the natural law of the universe to reveal itself allowing harmony with the world to be achieved. This philosophy is exemplified in Epictetus’ most famous work, the “Enchiridion”, which serves as a manual for the everyday practice of the philosophy. Compiled by Epictetus’ student Arrian, the “Enchiridion” or “Handbook”provides a simple practical philosophy which at its ...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞The influence of Euripides on the development of the dramatic genre cannot be overstated. Along with Sophocles and Aeschylus he is regarded as one of the three great Greek tragedians from classical antiquity. One of the most important of Euripides’ surviving dramas is “Medea”, the storyof its title character, the wife of Jason of the Argonauts, who seeks revenge upon her unfaithful husband when he abandons her for a another bride. Set in Corinth sometime after Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece, the play begins with Medea raging against her husband’s plans to marry Glauce, daughter of Creon, King of Corinth. Jason tries to explain his intent to marry Glauce as an effort to improve his status and that afterwards he intends to unify the two families taking Medea as his mistress. Medea however is unconvinced and pursues a path of murderous revenge. The play is controversial for its depiction of Medea murdering her own c...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞The ancient Greek philosopher Plato was born around 425 BC to an aristocratic family. He was the most famous student of Socrates and would eventually go on to form his own school, the Academy. Plato’s dialogues are among the most popular of all writings from classical antiquity. Plato wrotehis dialogues to record the wisdom that Socrates had imparted to his students. Plato’s works “Euthyphro,” “Apology,” “Crito,” “Meno,” and “Phaedo” are featured in this collection. These dialogues feature Socrates speaking with a student or friend about the philosophical concerns of laws, the virtue of mankind, the purpose of the gods, and death. Each dialogue searches through different facets of philosophy and makes the reader question their own personal beliefs and morals. While there is no underlying storyline, the dialogues follow important moments in Socrates’ life, from his trial to his death. Socrates was charged by th...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Contained here in this volume are two of the most influential works of philosophy ever written, Descartes’ “Discourse on Method” and “Meditations on First Philosophy.” First published in 1637, “Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason and Seeking for Truth in the Sciences,” as it is more fully known, is a foundational work of modern philosophy which is noted for being one of the first to apply the scientific method to the discipline. Descartes approaches the subject of skepticism in philosophy by throwing away all preconceived notions of reality and building up from a base of truths he found to be incontrovertible. It is from this work that we find one of Descartes’ most famous quotations “I think, therefore I am.” This phrase alone probably best exemplifies what Descartes believed to be an incontrovertible truth. First published in 1641, “Meditations on First Philosophy” follows upon his earlie...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞First published in 1873, “Around the World in Eighty Days” is a classic tale of adventure by French author Jules Verne, which tells the story of eccentric English inventor Phileas Fogg and his newly employed French valet Passepartout as they set out to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days. When Fogg gets into an argument at the Reform Club over an article in “The Daily Telegraph,” which posits that the building of a new railway section in India may now make it possible to circle the earth in eighty days, he hastily accepts a wager with his fellow club members to attempt the feat. In a mad dash he hurries off at once, with Passepartout, in a voyage around the world. Encountering many obstacles and misadventures along the way the two must make numerous accommodations when things do not go as planned. Matters are further complicated by the pursuit of a Scotland Yard detective named Fix, who mistakenly believes Fogg to ...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞15th-century Dutch priest Thomas a Kempis is best known for his famous Christian devotional book, “The Imitation of Christ.” Influenced by the era of Devotio Moderna, or Modern Devotion, a movement of religious reform which called for a return to the Christian principles of humility, obedience, and simplicity of life, Kempis intended his work to help further this reform. Arguably the most famous of all Christian devotional works next to the Bible, “The Imitation of Christ” is divided into four sections: “Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life,” “Admonitions Concerning the Inner Life,” “On Inward Consolation,” and “Of the Sacrament of the Altar.” Immensely popular from its first publication in 1418 up through the Protestant Reformation, the work’s primary emphasis is on the interior life and withdrawal from the world. This edition follows the translation of William Benham and includes an introduction by ...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞St. Teresa of Avila’s 16th century work “The Way of Perfection” is a classic of Christian literature which was written for the nuns of the order she founded. Encouraged by her religious counselors, she sought to give advice and guidance to other nuns in her ways of prayer and Christian meditation during the upheaval and change of the Reformation in Europe. In this influential work, St. Teresa of Avila gives practical advice for incorporating prayer in one’s everyday life and in using meditation and time spent in quiet repose to form a greater union with God and understanding of Christian mysticism. Through such meditation and deep contemplation, one could reach a state of rapture, or true communion with God. This guide directs its readers step by step to achieve a greater sense of spirituality and closeness with God by embracing fraternal love, rejecting material possessions, and practicing true humility. St. Teresa of...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞“Antigone,” the first Theban play written by Sophocles yet chronologically last in the cycle, is a masterpiece of classical antiquity which examines the conflict between public duty and personal loyalty. Following the banishment of Oedipus, his two sons Eteocles and Polyneices have died leading opposite sides in Thebes’s civil war, fighting each other for the throne. Queen Jocasta’s brother Creon, now the ruler of Thebes, declares that Eteocles will be honored but Polyneices is to be publically shamed by refusing him burial rites. Creon declares that anyone attempting to do so will be put to death. In ancient Greece the refusal of burial rites was one of the most disrespectful acts that could have been shown to a person and their family. Antigone finds herself compelled by familial duty and disregards Creon’s edict by scattering dirt across Polyneices’s corpse. Creon, whose son Haemon is engaged to Antigone, finds hi...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known popularly by his stage name Moli?re, is regarded as one of the masters of French comedic drama. When Moli?re began acting in Paris there were two well-established theatrical companies, those of the H?tel de Bourgogne and the Marais. Joining these theatrical companies would have been impossible for a new member of the acting profession like Moli?re and thus he performed with traveling troupes of actors in the French provinces. It was during this period that Moli?re would refine his skills as both an actor and a writer. Eventually his reputation would increase allowing him to return to Paris where he gained the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orl?ans, the brother of the King of France, Louis XIV. One of Moli?re’s most controversial plays, “Tartuffe” first appeared in 1664. It is the story of Orgon, the head of his family, who has fallen under theinfluence of Tartuffe, an imposter who pretend...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Written sometime during the 4th century BC, “Symposium” is one the most poetic and sublime works by the Greek philosopher Plato. The action of the dialogue is set during a party hosted by the poet Agathon to celebrate his first victory in a dramatic competition. The title ‘Symposium’,or ‘Banquet’ refers to the setting of the work, however the more literal translation from the Greek is a ‘drinking party.’ At this party several notable figures from classical antiquity, including Phaedrus, Pausanias, Eryximachus, Aristophanes, Agathon, Alcibiades, and Socrates in turn givespeeches in praise of Eros, the god of love. The work at its core is an examination of the genesis, purpose, and nature of love. While it is possible that the circumstances of the work may be based on actual events known to Plato, scholars believe it most likely to be the sole invention of its author. An intriguing dialogue on the subject of love, “...

【電子書籍なら、スマホ・パソコンの無料アプリで今すぐ読める！】＜p＞Greek philosopher and scientist, Aristotle, lived in the 4th century B.C. and is thought of as one of the most important figures from classical antiquity. Aristotle was probably the most famous member of Plato’s Academy in Athens, whose writings would ultimately form the first comprehensivesystem of Western philosophy. His writings were not constrained to simply one field of inquiry but covered such various subjects as physics, biology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, rhetoric, linguistics, politics and government. Contained in this volume is Aristotle’s “Politics”, a treatise dealing with political philosophy. The word politics comes from the Greek word “polis” or city and literally means things concerning the city. Given the smaller populations of ancient times the city was viewed as the highest level of community and thus the most relevant in discussing political concerns. Aristotle’s “Politics” is comp...