Understanding Chivalry
Just as our views on history change as we grow older, so too do our ideas about chivalry. In youth, […]
How Our Views Change with Age
As we grow older, the way we read and think about history changes. In youth, we often read for enjoyment.
The Romance of Chivalry
Many people have admired the history of chivalry for its fascinating stories and heroic ideals. Tales of knights performing brave
The Desire for Liberty
The author of a late History of the Reign of Philip Augustus observes that the desire for freedom appeared in
Prefatory Essay
The Role of Virtue and Vice in History In the early centuries, the strict and disciplined life of the first
Fear of Knowledge and Power
In the past, many rulers believed that knowledge was dangerous. They felt that if people learned even a little, the
The Role of the Nobles’ Retainers
The retainers of the nobility were men who served powerful lords and shared in their military life. Because many of
Reflection and the Weakening of Authority
Everything that teaches people to think, reflect, and compare ideas naturally weakens systems of absolute authority. When individuals begin to
The Limits of Church Power
Although the power of the church was very great and its influence spread across society, it could not completely stop
The Strong Organization of the Church
The church was much better organized than the nobles, and this gave it a great advantage in power. While the