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MS. Found in a Bottle

MS. Found in a Bottle

My Thoughts

I like to believe that Poe and I have similar styles of thought. The enigmas of life, the uncharted, and unknown universe assiduously keep me in profound thought. It isn't just the unknown that keeps my mind occupied, but the more than probable abhorrent situations that they may potentially bring to life. When concerning the ocean, giant rogue waves, the abyss, and whirlpools keep me in suspense. Poe seems to have thought that way about whirlpools, also know as maelstroms.

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The Balloon Hoax

The Balloon Hoax

My Thoughts

The Balloon Hoax, aptly named so, was a hoax article written by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe seemed to revel in attempting to fool the public as he wrote a few fictitious articles with extraordinary claims that ended up being hoaxes. This hoax focuses on a few men from England that embark a voyage in a hot air balloon with the goal of traveling over the British Channel and landing in France. Their adventure takes an odd turn, however, when their flying machine is taken by a current and pushed towards the Atlantic Ocean.

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Mesmeric Revelations

Mesmeric Revelations

My Thoughts

Mesmeric Revelations is an extremely thought-provoking short story. It focuses on a dying man, Mr. Vankirk, who calls on the protagonist to mesmerize him shortly before his departure from life. Mr. Vankirk is a rather simple character, but under the effects of mesmerism becomes extremely eloquent and articulate, conversing in the most advanced matters.

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The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall

The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall

My Thoughts

The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall is a very humorous and witty story about a man that takes a hot air balloon ride to the Moon. Written by Edgar Allan Poe in the early half of the 19th century, the story focuses on one Hans Pfaall, a bellow mender that falls on hard times. After being harassed by creditors to the point of near insanity he devises a plan to rid himself of them and embark on a perilous journey to the Moon.

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On Duties

On Duties

Overview

"On Duties" is widely considered Cicero's best work. This beautiful piece of art contains a plethora of wisdom, mainly focusing on the question "Is the right thing to do always the advantageous option?". This simply means that if you always do right, you will find that it is the most advantageous path. Let's take a look at a quick example.

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The Second Philippic Against Antony

Mark Antony

My Thoughts

Oh boy... from what I understand, Antony never heard Cicero's second Philippic against him, but I imagine if he did, Cicero would have suffered an even more horrific fate that what he had actually gone through. Cicero and Antony never seemed to like each other. Antony's step-father, Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura, was one of the five conspirators executed without due process during the second Catilinarian conspiracy. Cicero was consul at this time and was largely to blame.

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Against Verres (In Verrem) I

Cicero

My Thoughts

Amazing. Pure and simple. Cicero once again turns language into an art and completely surpasses my expectations. It is hard to believe that this speech was articulated over 2,000 years ago. Yes, that is correct. Over 2,000 years ago. When I began reading I immediately recognized the ingenious way Cicero addressed his audience (the judges). He put the focus on their honor. He made the trial about them and how they could greatly benefit from a verdict in favor of the prosecution. An amazing tactic to read about being used with such precision in classical antiquity.

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On Old Age (Cato Maior de Senectute)

Cato

Overview

Cato Maior de Senectute is a short essay written by Marcus Tullius Cicero in the year 44 BC. It's protagonist, Cato, explains to two young men how growing old is actually a blessing, not a curse. It is an extremely well-written story and an example of Cicero's exceptional skills in prose. A must read for the old, but even more importantly for the young. Cicero explains that to be healthy and comfortable at old age you must start the process in youth. Four main fears of growing old are addressed:

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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

Oveview

The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is arguably the first of its kind. It was originally written for Mr. Franklin's son so he would know the story of his father's life. The first part was written about his upbringing until he was almost 30 years of age. The second part continues until the year 1757 but was written at a much later period in Mr. Franklin's life. There are very noticeable writing differences between these times making it seem like a different author had continued the story.

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