Time and Providence Refine or Hardens Minds
Quoted lines compare time, providence, and character showing how afflictions test the noble and the vile. It notes the paradox of a furnace that hardens clay yet liquefies gold and references Pharaoh's punishment versus David's pardon as examples of divine power at work.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pharaoh
David
Colton
Brave Persians of Tashan Earn Escort for 106 Musketeers
In Persia the city of Tashan is famed for its lack of military spirit. A tale endures that Nadir Shah’s disbanded army of 30,000 required an escort of 106 musketeers to ensure safe return to Kasban and Ispahan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Persia
Tashan
Nadir Shah
India
Kasban
Ispahan
Madeira Island Roads Limit Land Travel
The Madeira islands lack wheeled vehicles due to rough mountainous roads. Locomotion relies on hammocks carried by natives, heavy sledges pulled by pullocks, and basket sledges. Descents use monvidins guided on runners behind.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Madeira Island
Madeira Islands
Shawl origins traced to Senskrit floor term
The shawl heritage is linked to the Senskrit sala meaning floor with shawls once used as carpet tapestry.
A WASTED LIFE
A bleak meditation argues that circumstances do not waste a life, only the person does. It cites Epictetus as example of virtue despite oppression and quotes Huxley on sloth, dishonesty, or cowardice ending a life.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Epictetus
Huxley