Sallust on the Gods and the World: and the Pythagoric Sentences of Demophilus and Five Hymns by Proclus

by Sallust, Demophilus, Proclus

This volume contains three pieces of composition, each of which, though inconsiderable as to its bulk, is inestimable as to the value of its contents. On the Gods and the World is the production of Sallust, a 4th century pagan philosopher. It is a beautiful epitome of the Platonic philosophy, in which the most important dogmas are delivered with such elegant conciseness, perfect accuracy, and strength of argument, that it is difficult to say to which the treatise is most entitled—our admiration or our praise. The Sentences of Demophilus are a collection from the works of ancient Pythagoreans, by whom they were employed like proverbs, on account of their intrinsic excellence and truth. Along with five hymns by the philosopher Proclus, this volume also includes five hymns by the translator, Thomas Taylor.

Genres: Philosophy, Paganism, Religion

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2017

About the author

Gaius Sallustius Crispus (86 BC-34 BC), better known as 'Sallust' was a Roman politician and historian who supported Populares party of Julius Caesar.

His historical works included romanticized views of events, which served as polemics against his moral opponents, including Cicero. It was a style which set him apart from the dry historians who proceeded him.

Sallust joined Caesar in the African wars, and after their victory, was placed as governor of Roman Africa. He eventually retired to private life, when he composed his histories and funded an extensive personal garden.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, admittedly, didn't know what to expect going into this text but was pleasantly surprised. Getting to read the myths from a metaphorical standpoint helped to reinforce some of my own revelations over years of being a practicing polytheist. Sallust's theories on the nature of the gods, universe, and humanity's relation to it is enlightening even if you don't agree with/accept all of his conclusions.

I can honestly consider this one of the texts every beginning Hellenist should read.

[Per · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Sallus...

[Erick · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, I should make clear that I have respect for Thomas Taylor, the translator of this work, as a translator. He was certainly competent in that role and I have no real complaints about that aspect of his work. During the Romantic era, he made not only Plato's writings, but many other Platonist and Neo-Platonist writings available in English translations--many for the first time. I, personally, have a number of his translations. Now, that being said, his own philosophical merits are not very significant. He was really less of a philosopher and more of an occultic theosophist (in the Blavatskian sense) before there was such a thing. His own writings, including his introductions, books and translation notes, have a tendency towards neo-pagan sycophancy. This tendency can be taxing on the patience of the reader more often than not. Spending some time reading his commentary on Maximus of Tyre, I can appreciate some of his ideas within the context of Romantic era Idealism.
I read this collection of Pythagorean and Neo-Platonist writings simply for the sake of completeness. I am trying to read as much of the Platonist school of writings as I can. These writings certainly qualify, but, unfortunately, there is little of philosophical value and much that is worthless pagan propaganda. Obviously, Thomas Taylor, himself being a neo-pagan, was trying his hand at proselytizing. This was of course the golden age of Freemasonry and other pseudo-philosophical and pro pagan secret societies.
There are a few things here and there that are interesting in this collection, but not much. The only thing that is really worth recommending is the Sentences of Demophilus. I've just read the Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library and this work was for some reason omitted. I personally skipped the pagan hymns of the translator because his notes are often sycophantic enough, without also imbibing his lauds of various deities.

[Katy Sisko · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting treatise on Pagan theology in the fourth century. I felt like some Christian influence had crept in (like the idea that the gods are all good) despite it being written specifically in response to the rise of Christianity.

[Tod Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Sean Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent concise discussion of the nature of the gods and valuable commentary by translator Thomas Taylor as well. The beautiful hymns by Proclus are also a nice inclusion and well worth a read