Preface to the Homer of Veit Winsheim

Since I am about to enter upon the interpretation of the Homeric poem in a few days, it has seemed right that I commend, as I can, that lecture and these studies to the young by an oration in this place. I believe I can do so quite rightly, given that the matter is most worthy of commendation, and also much needed in these present times and amidst such corrupt judgements of men. I consider in my mind these admirable gifts of God, namely the study of literature and of the humanities – and apart from the Gospel of Christ this world holds nothing more splendid nor more divine – and I also consider, on the other hand, by what blindness the minds of men are enveloped in unnatural and Cimmerian darkness; they spurn these true and greatest gifts, and with great effort they pursue means for their wishes and desires that are not only inferior but also ruinous and destructive to themselves. When I weigh these things in my heart, I am violently moved, for it comes to my mind by what dense darkness and, so to speak, black night the hearts of men are surrounded. I am not further astonished, if men are blind in things that are divine and beyond human understanding, when I see them thus treading under foot these their own and personal goods for which they are intended by divine providence, and which they could have comprehended and cherished.