Hildegard was a remarkably progressive woman for someone born in the late 11th century. She petitioned the church and fought against its ridiculous laws, wrote on theology, and was heavily devoted to the practicality and benefit of music. Honestly, I think she would be vehemently despised in this current day and age if she spoke against the church like she did. She was bold and held to her beliefs in a remarkably admirable way. I am truly saddened that this is the first time I have learned about her in my education. I have spent countless hours learning about men who spoke against the church, like Martin Luther, but never about Hildegard. (Granted she didn't start a new church but she still was incredibly progressive and should have been recognized.) I love how she stood her ground and fought for what she believed in. She did what I would wager almost no one did at that point, and she argued so well, that she swayed the church into relenting and allowing her convent to re-participate in music once again. She was revolutionary and I am astounded. I will promptly be doing more research on her and I may have a new role model!
In Book VIII of Plato’s Republic, Socrates talks about the possibility of having a well-governed city. However, he also talks about how that particular form of government is impossible to have. A well-governed city becomes a possibility only if you can discover a better way of life for your future rulers than holding office.” (Plato, p 215) Maybe his version of a better life was for those in office to not be lovers of power, since it would then become a fight among rival lovers. Socrates gets to the point that the only rulers who don’t love power are true philosophers. Philosophers are lovers of wisdom and knowledge and not power, ergo they are the perfect rulers. Absolute power corrupts and power corrupts absolutely, so I’m thinking that maybe the trick to being a good ruler is for you to be a philosophical person who loves wisdom and not power. I commented on Jamie’s and Isabelle’s posts.
Hildegard is one of my favorite women from history! I'm glad someone else sees what a boss she is. Unfortunately, our history records are very much upper-class, male based. You have to be literate to leave something for future generations. That's why Hildegard's music and story are so important! We get a glimpse into the female perspective of the past!
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