I first read John Woolman thirty years ago. He was so impressive, so humble. I’m sure he never expected his writings to be read. I’ve read him many times since.
He was a good be to read. I agree I do not think he was writing for others to read it. I feel he was wrestling with his thoughts and views of society. I still think about Woolman. A pious man in an age of change and conquest. Truly appreciate you watching my friend and stay blessed!
While the first organized anti-slavery movement came from the Quakers, the wealthiest merchants in Philadelphia were Quakers, and many of them were slaveowners. Eventually, their society condemned slavery and would turn members out for owning slaves (basically excommunicating them).
I do not remember if I included it in the video but Woolman mentioned this as well in his books. He actually spoke out against his society for exactly what you are saying. I figured after reading that there had to be some division in the Quaker society over the issue. Thanks so much for sharing and watching! Have a blessed new year!
So refreshing to listen to your review. Initially thought I’d hear snippets here and there but found myself engrossed and sat through listening from start to finish. Now I’m curious to research more about John Woolman. One thing I noticed was how amazing people in the past would put in such great effort to record their innermost thoughts. And we posterity are reaping their wisdom. This is something modern men like us should be grateful for and perhaps continue to do
I completely agree! I grew up thinking diaries were for sissy’s and not “manly”. Then I started diving into the American Founding and history and realized all the men wrote in diaries and documented everything. Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson and Adams all had one. I am planning to start strictly journaling in January. Been off and on for a bit. Seems to be a great way to commit ideas and subjects to memory. Truly appreciate you watching my friend and stay blessed!
Shortly after reading John Woolman's writing in the Harvard Classics, our local Quaker congregation came before Town Meeting to request Community Preservation Grant funds to help them restore the Old Quaker Meetinghouse up the street from my house. I went before Town Meeting and read from the portion of his autobiography where he mentioned he visited numerous Quaker congregations, including specifically THAT congregation in my town, to lobby for the end of slavery in New England. The measure passed, the Quakers got their community preservation grant, the local newspaper published a photograph of me in front of the microphone, holding up my dilapidated edition of the Harvard Classics, and explained the important historical link to the early abolitionist movement, and the old meetinghouse was restored. Knowing history is important....
Hi Rob, I stumbled upon this channel almost a year after I found a collection of the Hardvard Classic Deluxe Edition I found at an estate sale for five dollars! Just finished Ben Franklins autobiography and found this channel a great and helpful resource. Im excited to join you in reading through the collection chronologically. Thanks for making this channel. know you have my support in all your upcoming videos Thank you -Istvan Miko
That is so awesome to hear and what an awesome deal you found! 5 dollars in insane! I hope you enjoy reading through them with me and I am happy to have you along on the journey! Stay blessed my friend!
Ya you can tell that ate at Woolman. He learned from it and when a similar situation occurred he didn't let himself cower and commit the same mistake. Very powerful lesson to learn from. Thanks for watching!
What I love here, is he didn't say that it was wrong just by some subjective reason, but rooted in the Christian faith (Scripture) that dictates objectively that it is to be abolished and morally wrong. Which gets back to why I think Franklin greatly said be like Jesus and Socrates. These men were Christians. They didn't just believe Jesus was a man to follow, but truly God, Savior, & Lord. And those that fought slavery, had deep convictions that all of man are made in the image of God and it took some time, but they finally gained the courage to fight it. It's also kind of wild that the speculation of Cain as the cause of blackness (Classic cultic Mormon theology), reveals how weak cultic arguments can be to rationalize blind faith, which is not always faith but foolishness.
Wise words my friend. I found the "Cain" justification a stretch as well. If taken out of context the certain portions of the Bible can support almost anything you throw at. Woolman saw past that and was brave enough to take action. Love you insight!
Precisely! It's inserting into the text what the text in the original doesn't say instead of exegeting or drawing out from it what it says. Yeah, it's wild to think how false teachers have erupted not by merely abandoning the Bible, but manipulating others by utilizing it out of context and to meet their own agenda. Incredible to think Woolman had a faith as clear as that. Thanks bro!@@The_Cause
I'm really enjoying these videos. I've been getting into some writers I've wanted to explore for a while (mostly saints like St Gregory of Nyssa and St John of the Cross, but also philosophy and other religious systems). Your videos are really well done and a great encouragement to keep developing myself and exploring others' worldviews with a heart of charity.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I would put Woolman’s faith up there with any religious leader I have read about. Some people want to be like Jesus and others truly strive to live like him. Woolman was such a good read. I still think back on this dude.
Not knowing of John Wollman before now, I can see why he was selected for the Harvard Classics. Also, I appreciate your summary and commentary on his story. I didn't really know what to expect when starting your videos on the Harvard Classics however, in addition to continuing with your videos, I will have to see if I can find them in audio version so I can listen to them as I drive or walk. Thank you for wanting to enrich us all.
Many of them are on Audible but not all. I also listen to as many as I can after I read to better understand the names and places in the text. Truly appreciate you watching and have a good new year!
I think slavery is humanity greatest sin. I am glad the editor of these books thought it was important to put the journal of an abolitionist for people to be able to confront the topic.
I was surprised he put it so early in the series as well. Not a risky move in today’s standards but I bet there was some discussion in that back in his day. Thanks for watching my friend!
@@The_Cause I think he decided to introduce it early because he wanted the first book to focus on American thought, patriotism in a sense, before moving to European thought. And maybe he wanted the foundation on the topic of slavery to be one of abolition and not the opposite. I think 😅
I agree. I can only imagine that Uncle Toms cabin was at least considered but choosing Woolman allowed the work to stay relevant. I never would have found it otherwise.
Thanks a lot for making this video, Rob! I had never heard about this man before, but he surely was a hero. As a young black man from Brazil, the subject of slavery always feels a little personal to me, as it happened not many generations before mine (slavery here was only banned in 1888). So, honestly, I'm so grateful that people like him existed. Even with so much to lose, he went against his society's beliefs just to help his fellow humans, some of them who could even be my ancestors. I'm truly glad you shed a light to this history :) Keep on cultivating yourself as you're already doing, and I'm sure you can be a better person than you could ever picture! You've already inspired me a lot to do so.
Man I truly appreciate the kind words and I also had never heard of Woolman. But I agree, he was one heck of a dude. Talk about living the morals and virtues you believe in. We can learn a lot from him. I have a few contacts in Brazil concerning coffee and I have always been joyed my conversations with the people down there. Would love to visit one day and taste some coffee amongst the farmers. One day! Haha thanks for watching and stay blessed!
As someone who is from Europe we never really gave a huge amount of focus to american literature and figures in school (to much shit going down in Europe lol). But this series is amazing. I listened to your episode on Franklin and it made me consider giving it a try and reading the book. But this one is even better and incredibly relevant in today's materialistic and spoiled society. Thank you for taking your time to share this with us.
Glad you enjoyed it! Both Franklin and Wollman were good reads and so different in personality and life. I can definitely understand why American literature would not be sought after. Between Dante, Milton, Shakespeare and the rest, you Europeans kind of have your hands full. Haha Thanks so much for watching my friend and stay blessed!
Hi Rob. Thank you for such thoughtful review on Woolman, someone whose diary should be more widely known for sure. His inner thoughts and insights are - scarily - relevant for us today.
I completely agree! I wish his type of courage was more talked about today. But generals and battle leadership is easier to sell. Truly appreciate you watching and have a blessed day!
Yes indeed! Woolman was a great read. I still think back on him and judge how I am living to him. Hard to follow in those footsteps steps. Truly appreciate you watching and have a blessed new year!
Hi Rob -- just happened across your channel, having inherited the same edition of the Harvard Classics from a friend as you have there. I searched for these books on TH-cam, and I'm glad I found you. I enjoy how well you review these books. I'll be following your work with appreciation!
That’s great news! I must say these books have really grounded me lately. Been nice to take a break from the digital world and ponder the world with some of the greatest minds that have existed. Truly hope these episodes help and thanks so much for watching! Do you plan to read through the entire set?
@The_Cause Well, I'm going to take a crack at much of it, anyway. I'm a little iffy about some of the scientists; my brain is so non-sciencey that I don't know whether I'll be able to make sense of it. I'll just have to sample them as I go and see how technical they go. If I see a lot of equations, I'll have to pass on those titles. But I'm looking forward to engaging the rest of it, for sure. Thanks for your reply!
Heck ya! I’m with you on the equations and science part… we will see how those videos go when I get there. Luckily they appear to be a good many volumes away from where I’m at. Haha Glad to have you along for there ride. Stay blessed!
I had indeed never heard of this man. But I'm only recently starting to read English classics. I really loved this video and learned a lot. Thank you so much. I don't live in the USA or drink coffee, but I hope this comment helps your algorithm. Take care :)
Haha yes indeed! I truly appreciate your support in battling the TH-cam algorithm. Curious where you are from? I find it cool that these videos are reaching people beyond what I intended. Thanks so much for watching and stay blessed my friend!
Signing and doing things...being forced to...are still prevalent today. if you need to keep your job and have the ability to move up in a career, you do what you have to do.
Where did you get such a clean collection of them in hardback? Despite the cost, where did you purchase them? Love these videos man. Heathens oppressed by Christ, and WOW indicates the power of hypocrisy and how it affects other's improper view of Christ. The Christian life is most definitely inward! Scripture should move from the mind, to the heart, to the hands. Theology leads to Doxology! I love that he as a Christian had a correct theology, which reveals that God always preserves a remnant of those in History who had minds truly renewed by the Word, and stood apart though often unaccepted.
This was such a fantastic and inspiring read. I appreciated it perhaps more than Franklin's diary - Franklin had a once-in-a-generation mind, whereas Woolman came across as just this ordinary guy just absolutely set on doing what he thought was right, and changed an awful lot of minds in the process. I'd never heard of him either! Great job on the video :)
I actually agree with you. Franklin was born with a gift and he squeezed every ounce out of it. Woolman was just an ordinary man trying to do his best in life and live as pious as possible. I really enjoyed his story as well!
Thank you. It reminds me of trying to buy only local ecological clothes, which is quite hard to find. But I must not forget to make sure that every action I do has a positive impact on the world, and that I should be able to wish that everyone else does the same actions, if not maybe it is not such a good deed. Sorry I'm not very good at English.
No apologies for the English. Heck mine is probably no better! Haha I agree with you though. It is hard to live a lifestyle as you mentioned when the system and world we live in does not operate that way. Finding organic food is even hard now days unless you grow your own. Where do you live if you do not mind me asking?
I am from Louisiana which is one of the southern states in the US. Right above New Orleans. Belgium is on my bucket list to visit. I would love to see that part of the world one day. So much history and beauty there is seems!
@@The_Cause Yeah I recommend Ghent and Bruges, there are beautiful and ancient architectures to see there. In Brussels as well but it's maybe a bit to touristic and dirty as in many big cities I guess..
Yes, many of today's consumer goods including necessities like shoes and clothing are made by child labor and slave labor. It's easier to avoid I think when it comes to groceries because there's a lot of fair trade items available, at least if you live in a major metropolitan area but even then, it's more expensive to buy food that's ethically produced and not everyone can afford it.
Exactly. I have been trying to keep my purchases local and close to home but gosh it’s hard now days. Woolman would have lived like the Amish he was alive today. It’s possible for all of us to quit supporting the industries that participate but none of us are willing to give up the nice lives we live. Small change and education can go along way though. Wars are not won in a day. Thanks so much for watching!
Wow...great insight. I'm sorry to have never known who he was until now. I've read Thoreau and now I need to read Woolman. A lot of this sounds very similar to Civil Disobedience
Yes Thoreau left more written material behind than Woolman. His journal is short compared to the works of Thoreau. I have not read much of Thoreau but I am anxious to dive more in to his works. Truly appreciate you tuning in brother! Stay blessed!
I have never had any interest in the Harvard Classics collection until hearing here about this John Woolman. For me, Britannica's Great Books collection was all that was needed, it seems my view was wrong.
I think the Great Books are great! I got a set a few weeks back and have been just looking through them. I consider the sets completely different though. The Harvard Classics seem to be compile on a more ethical/moral compilation whereas the Great Books are like a deep dive in the western civilization and society. I am looking forward to eventually completing both. The problem is it may be a decade before I achieve it. haha
#12:00 interesting how the moral code by Woolman for those who want to use poor arguments, the answer and the question are found in his life and that's by- treat others as how you want to be treated. so those who use that poor argument that one race is a sin, they wouldn't like that argument if they were that race but Woolman would like his stance (free people) if he were one or not.
You're a smart dude. Enjoy your videos! The thing about the dream, is how he is put in the company of the miserable. How he's laboring with them, and is among them at their work. I find that interesting... He puts himself into the plight of the slaves.
Idk about smart. Just very open to learn and humbled at how little I know! I really enjoyed reading about Woolman. I still ponder on him some. Such a pious man. Very rare to find anyone like him now days. Thanks for watching my friend! As always stay blessed!
Hey buddy! I found a set on Facebook market place and had them shipped to me. I paid around 300 plus shipping. There are always a few sets on there ranging in price and condition. If you wait a bit you can find a good deal on them and depending on where you live you may be able to pick them up locally. You thinking about getting a set?
My pleasure my friend. These have been a joy to make and I have learned so much. I hope others are getting just as much out of them. Have a blessed weekend!
I have heard a lot of things about the black Napoleon of Saint Domingue. He pops up a lot in many of the history books around that time. But I looked up the book from the 1930s I think you are referencing and I will def move it up to my reading list. Thanks for sharing and have a blessed new year!
#10:00 we must relize how great orator Woolman were, or else no one would give up their salve (an expensive investment) easy. #10:50 "loosing will" is insanity, couldn't have said it better, same situation found in jail cells, this why I think they should be a special academic and spiritual studies in jail, catering for everyone or else they'll no inherent motivation to do better when released and thisis currently a major problem in usa and other countries
I am a Christian but not as well versed as I would like to be. This series will hopefully help out with that. I try and play devils advocate some in the videos and use the perspective of the writer versus throwing my religion and faith into the mix. Truly appreciate you watching my friend! Stay blessed!
5:40 I don't think people realize that were they to be transported into the past, chances are very high they would be willful participants in such evils regardless of what they claim to believe today because most people don't really have good reasons to believe what they believe, and they cannot articulate why they believe such things. They just kinda go with the flow, and in 1750 the flow in virtually the entire world was slavery is the normal state of things, its never going away, and you are some kind of nut if you try to change it. John Woolman not only knew what he believed, he knew exactly why he believed it, and he could specifically articulate why.
That is something very important to ponder on. I completely agree with you. We all like to think we would be the virtuous individual bucking the waves and sacrificing for the just cause but that is not usually the case. Truly appreciate your perspective. Stay blessed!
Maybe once I learn more about those times I can make that happen. I fear my current level of knowledge will prevent me from meeting that standard. I will most definitely try and work on it though. Thanks for watching and have a blessed new year!
@@The_Cause I know this comment is a couple months old (I’m working my way through your older videos), but I wanted to stay, I respectfully disagree with this sentiment. I think your use of language is the exact ‘bridge’ that some people may need. This is your presentation of the text to us & I think you’re going a fantastic job! The addition of reading passages & being able to view the text in your video is perfect. 👍🏻 I say, keep doing what you’re doing! Just my two cents 😄
#23:59 I think Andrew tate is pretty good because he just not trying to make people wealthy but also give them a good moral purpose, such as body health. helping others plus religion
Still an apologist regarding his subjective views that were not based on the bible and especially far from those depicted being from an as depicted Jesus. No cigar for christianity here.
In following the basic Christian teaching of doing to others as you would have them do to you I would have to disagree. I think Woolman was acting on more than just a religion as I believe he was truly acting from the soul. The problem with the Bible and Christianity is Christianity is just the New Testament. The talk of Old Testament is found in many other religions as well such as Judaism and the such. Woolman would walk very closely to the followings and standards of Christ. I agree it is hard to read the Bible (Old Testament) and not see the support of slavery and servants and the such. It was very common in the Old Testament and the Hebrew God will send the Israelites into slavery multiple times. Truly appreciate you watching and commenting! Love hearing everyone’s thoughts on the subject. Have a blessed week!
@@The_Cause Slavery in the Bible was different than slavery in say the Americas. Slavery in the Bible was more like indentured servitude and the slaves had certain rights like the slave owner could be put to death if he severely injures the slave. Now weather or not that was known in Woolman's time i dont know.
I think it was more similar than people think. Reading through Leviticus and Numbers it’s clear that there was not much value put in slaves. There were laws but like in the US how many were actually held accountable for the misdeeds. Truly appreciate your comment and I will have to think on that more as I read through more of the Old Testament. Stay blessed brother!
Do you know much about a man called William Wilburforce? Between John Moolman and Wilburforce, both were convicted by their faith to fight courageously against slavery, and Wilburforce ultimately succeeded against all odds to turn the British parliament around and support the abolition of slavery. Then there was John Newton, the former slave trader convicted by God to repent, and later wrote the famous hymn "Amazing Grace". I'm sure you could find many more examples if you wanted to. In my experience, the Spirit of Jesus in us touches and convicts our hearts on such matters. On the debate about why there was slavery in the Bible, I find that to be something that is malevolently used to distract you from Jesus, as when you encounter the love of Jesus, that alone settles all such questions and you are left in no doubt as to who he is. So why does the God of the Bible appear to allow slavery? Some think that he does because in the Bible, God does not entirely abandon those who practice it, and even encourages slaves to obey their masters as opposed to rebelling against them. In that case however, God should therefore also be accused of approving every other kind of evil that men practiced throughout the Bible unless he were to abandon such people entirely. Rahab the harlot for example, was shown special favour and was included in the line of Christ’s ancestry. Does this mean that God approved of her harlotry? Given that God has not abandoned Israel entirely, does that mean that he approves of all of her works? Those who make these accusations against the God of the Bible would themselves have no way back to God if he were as intolerant as they want him to be. Nevertheless, God will, in fact, destroy every kind of evil that people practice, but not through the wrath of men, as the wrath of men is ineffective in accomplishing the righteousness and justice of God. His way of eliminating the evil works of men is to bring as many of them into Christ as possible, and then destroy all else. Christ is like the ark of Noah, or the backup drive where you save your important files before you reformat a virus ridden PC. Regarding injustice, do not worry; Jesus said that those who are last now will be first in his kingdom, and those who are first now will be last in his kingdom. In other words, he knows your works and your heart, and will judge each man accordingly. This life is like a vapour, it is here today and gone tomorrow, and there is no justice in it. The eternal existence of your soul matters far more. It is there that we will find the justice that we crave.
I first read John Woolman thirty years ago. He was so impressive, so humble. I’m sure he never expected his writings to be read. I’ve read him many times since.
He was a good be to read. I agree I do not think he was writing for others to read it. I feel he was wrestling with his thoughts and views of society. I still think about Woolman. A pious man in an age of change and conquest. Truly appreciate you watching my friend and stay blessed!
While the first organized anti-slavery movement came from the Quakers, the wealthiest merchants in Philadelphia were Quakers, and many of them were slaveowners. Eventually, their society condemned slavery and would turn members out for owning slaves (basically excommunicating them).
I do not remember if I included it in the video but Woolman mentioned this as well in his books. He actually spoke out against his society for exactly what you are saying. I figured after reading that there had to be some division in the Quaker society over the issue. Thanks so much for sharing and watching! Have a blessed new year!
An excellent book to read on the this topic is “ Freedom by Degrees” by Gary B. Nash and Jean R. Soderlund.
So refreshing to listen to your review. Initially thought I’d hear snippets here and there but found myself engrossed and sat through listening from start to finish. Now I’m curious to research more about John Woolman. One thing I noticed was how amazing people in the past would put in such great effort to record their innermost thoughts. And we posterity are reaping their wisdom. This is something modern men like us should be grateful for and perhaps continue to do
I completely agree! I grew up thinking diaries were for sissy’s and not “manly”. Then I started diving into the American Founding and history and realized all the men wrote in diaries and documented everything. Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson and Adams all had one. I am planning to start strictly journaling in January. Been off and on for a bit. Seems to be a great way to commit ideas and subjects to memory. Truly appreciate you watching my friend and stay blessed!
Shortly after reading John Woolman's writing in the Harvard Classics, our local Quaker congregation came before Town Meeting to request Community Preservation Grant funds to help them restore the Old Quaker Meetinghouse up the street from my house. I went before Town Meeting and read from the portion of his autobiography where he mentioned he visited numerous Quaker congregations, including specifically THAT congregation in my town, to lobby for the end of slavery in New England. The measure passed, the Quakers got their community preservation grant, the local newspaper published a photograph of me in front of the microphone, holding up my dilapidated edition of the Harvard Classics, and explained the important historical link to the early abolitionist movement, and the old meetinghouse was restored. Knowing history is important....
Hi Rob,
I stumbled upon this channel almost a year after I found a collection of the Hardvard Classic Deluxe Edition I found at an estate sale for five dollars!
Just finished Ben Franklins autobiography and found this channel a great and helpful resource. Im excited to join you in reading through the collection chronologically.
Thanks for making this channel. know you have my support in all your upcoming videos
Thank you
-Istvan Miko
That is so awesome to hear and what an awesome deal you found! 5 dollars in insane! I hope you enjoy reading through them with me and I am happy to have you along on the journey! Stay blessed my friend!
This one really struck me, about how you miss a chance to stand up for what is right and how you become "afflicted in the mind".
Ya you can tell that ate at Woolman. He learned from it and when a similar situation occurred he didn't let himself cower and commit the same mistake. Very powerful lesson to learn from. Thanks for watching!
What I love here, is he didn't say that it was wrong just by some subjective reason, but rooted in the Christian faith (Scripture) that dictates objectively that it is to be abolished and morally wrong. Which gets back to why I think Franklin greatly said be like Jesus and Socrates. These men were Christians. They didn't just believe Jesus was a man to follow, but truly God, Savior, & Lord.
And those that fought slavery, had deep convictions that all of man are made in the image of God and it took some time, but they finally gained the courage to fight it.
It's also kind of wild that the speculation of Cain as the cause of blackness (Classic cultic Mormon theology), reveals how weak cultic arguments can be to rationalize blind faith, which is not always faith but foolishness.
Wise words my friend. I found the "Cain" justification a stretch as well. If taken out of context the certain portions of the Bible can support almost anything you throw at. Woolman saw past that and was brave enough to take action. Love you insight!
Precisely! It's inserting into the text what the text in the original doesn't say instead of exegeting or drawing out from it what it says. Yeah, it's wild to think how false teachers have erupted not by merely abandoning the Bible, but manipulating others by utilizing it out of context and to meet their own agenda. Incredible to think Woolman had a faith as clear as that. Thanks bro!@@The_Cause
I'm really enjoying these videos. I've been getting into some writers I've wanted to explore for a while (mostly saints like St Gregory of Nyssa and St John of the Cross, but also philosophy and other religious systems). Your videos are really well done and a great encouragement to keep developing myself and exploring others' worldviews with a heart of charity.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I would put Woolman’s faith up there with any religious leader I have read about. Some people want to be like Jesus and others truly strive to live like him. Woolman was such a good read. I still think back on this dude.
Not knowing of John Wollman before now, I can see why he was selected for the Harvard Classics. Also, I appreciate your summary and commentary on his story. I didn't really know what to expect when starting your videos on the Harvard Classics however, in addition to continuing with your videos, I will have to see if I can find them in audio version so I can listen to them as I drive or walk. Thank you for wanting to enrich us all.
Many of them are on Audible but not all. I also listen to as many as I can after I read to better understand the names and places in the text. Truly appreciate you watching and have a good new year!
So far I've borrow the audiobook of Benjamin Franklin from my library (Libby app), and the journal of John Woolman I downloaded from Librivox.
I think slavery is humanity greatest sin. I am glad the editor of these books thought it was important to put the journal of an abolitionist for people to be able to confront the topic.
I was surprised he put it so early in the series as well. Not a risky move in today’s standards but I bet there was some discussion in that back in his day. Thanks for watching my friend!
@@The_Cause I think he decided to introduce it early because he wanted the first book to focus on American thought, patriotism in a sense, before moving to European thought. And maybe he wanted the foundation on the topic of slavery to be one of abolition and not the opposite. I think 😅
I agree. I can only imagine that Uncle Toms cabin was at least considered but choosing Woolman allowed the work to stay relevant. I never would have found it otherwise.
Thanks a lot for making this video, Rob!
I had never heard about this man before, but he surely was a hero. As a young black man from Brazil, the subject of slavery always feels a little personal to me, as it happened not many generations before mine (slavery here was only banned in 1888). So, honestly, I'm so grateful that people like him existed. Even with so much to lose, he went against his society's beliefs just to help his fellow humans, some of them who could even be my ancestors.
I'm truly glad you shed a light to this history :) Keep on cultivating yourself as you're already doing, and I'm sure you can be a better person than you could ever picture! You've already inspired me a lot to do so.
Man I truly appreciate the kind words and I also had never heard of Woolman. But I agree, he was one heck of a dude. Talk about living the morals and virtues you believe in. We can learn a lot from him. I have a few contacts in Brazil concerning coffee and I have always been joyed my conversations with the people down there. Would love to visit one day and taste some coffee amongst the farmers. One day! Haha thanks for watching and stay blessed!
As someone who is from Europe we never really gave a huge amount of focus to american literature and figures in school (to much shit going down in Europe lol). But this series is amazing. I listened to your episode on Franklin and it made me consider giving it a try and reading the book. But this one is even better and incredibly relevant in today's materialistic and spoiled society. Thank you for taking your time to share this with us.
Glad you enjoyed it! Both Franklin and Wollman were good reads and so different in personality and life. I can definitely understand why American literature would not be sought after. Between Dante, Milton, Shakespeare and the rest, you Europeans kind of have your hands full. Haha Thanks so much for watching my friend and stay blessed!
Hi Rob. Thank you for such thoughtful review on Woolman, someone whose diary should be more widely known for sure. His inner thoughts and insights are - scarily - relevant for us today.
I completely agree! I wish his type of courage was more talked about today. But generals and battle leadership is easier to sell. Truly appreciate you watching and have a blessed day!
Another very thoughtful review, congratulations Rob. And what a remarkable man, this John Woolman. What a strenght of character!
Yes indeed! Woolman was a great read. I still think back on him and judge how I am living to him. Hard to follow in those footsteps steps. Truly appreciate you watching and have a blessed new year!
Your analysis was so profound. Definitely comparable to my professors during my degree in literature. You are a natural. Looking forward to more!
Oh wow! Thanks so much for the kind words. That means a lot. I am glad you are enjoying the series and have a blessed new year!
Yup. Sold. I'm going to see if the local library has these. Thank you so much for doing this series!
Glad to have you along for the journey my friend! Hope you have a blessed new year and maybe you will get lucky and your library will have them.
Fascinating, and binge worthy ! Thank you for sharing your most wise observations on this text. GOD bless you and thank you dear Mr. Pirie.
God bless you as well my friend! Your nice comments have made me feel like all this effort is worth it!
Hope you enjoyed this episode on Hohn Woolman! Remarkable guy! See ya next week!
I've recently discovered the classics also. Have you read Thomas Paine's, book Age of Reason?
Bro this made me cry a little and I watched it twice lol 😂 I'm so lame.
Hi Rob -- just happened across your channel, having inherited the same edition of the Harvard Classics from a friend as you have there. I searched for these books on TH-cam, and I'm glad I found you. I enjoy how well you review these books. I'll be following your work with appreciation!
That’s great news! I must say these books have really grounded me lately. Been nice to take a break from the digital world and ponder the world with some of the greatest minds that have existed. Truly hope these episodes help and thanks so much for watching! Do you plan to read through the entire set?
@The_Cause Well, I'm going to take a crack at much of it, anyway. I'm a little iffy about some of the scientists; my brain is so non-sciencey that I don't know whether I'll be able to make sense of it. I'll just have to sample them as I go and see how technical they go. If I see a lot of equations, I'll have to pass on those titles. But I'm looking forward to engaging the rest of it, for sure. Thanks for your reply!
Heck ya! I’m with you on the equations and science part… we will see how those videos go when I get there. Luckily they appear to be a good many volumes away from where I’m at. Haha Glad to have you along for there ride. Stay blessed!
I had indeed never heard of this man. But I'm only recently starting to read English classics. I really loved this video and learned a lot. Thank you so much. I don't live in the USA or drink coffee, but I hope this comment helps your algorithm. Take care :)
Haha yes indeed! I truly appreciate your support in battling the TH-cam algorithm. Curious where you are from? I find it cool that these videos are reaching people beyond what I intended. Thanks so much for watching and stay blessed my friend!
@The_Cause I'm from the Netherlands. I guess my love for books brought me to you.
Signing and doing things...being forced to...are still prevalent today. if you need to keep your job and have the ability to move up in a career, you do what you have to do.
What do you mean by signing and doing things? Like contracts stuff?
Where did you get such a clean collection of them in hardback? Despite the cost, where did you purchase them? Love these videos man. Heathens oppressed by Christ, and WOW indicates the power of hypocrisy and how it affects other's improper view of Christ. The Christian life is most definitely inward! Scripture should move from the mind, to the heart, to the hands. Theology leads to Doxology! I love that he as a Christian had a correct theology, which reveals that God always preserves a remnant of those in History who had minds truly renewed by the Word, and stood apart though often unaccepted.
Love the additions you mention here. Thanks for the dialogue. Going to ponder some of these ideas you mentioned.
This was such a fantastic and inspiring read. I appreciated it perhaps more than Franklin's diary - Franklin had a once-in-a-generation mind, whereas Woolman came across as just this ordinary guy just absolutely set on doing what he thought was right, and changed an awful lot of minds in the process. I'd never heard of him either! Great job on the video :)
I actually agree with you. Franklin was born with a gift and he squeezed every ounce out of it. Woolman was just an ordinary man trying to do his best in life and live as pious as possible. I really enjoyed his story as well!
Thank you.
It reminds me of trying to buy only local ecological clothes, which is quite hard to find. But I must not forget to make sure that every action I do has a positive impact on the world, and that I should be able to wish that everyone else does the same actions, if not maybe it is not such a good deed.
Sorry I'm not very good at English.
No apologies for the English. Heck mine is probably no better! Haha I agree with you though. It is hard to live a lifestyle as you mentioned when the system and world we live in does not operate that way. Finding organic food is even hard now days unless you grow your own. Where do you live if you do not mind me asking?
@@The_Cause In Brussels (Belgium), and you ?
I am from Louisiana which is one of the southern states in the US. Right above New Orleans. Belgium is on my bucket list to visit. I would love to see that part of the world one day. So much history and beauty there is seems!
@@The_Cause Yeah I recommend Ghent and Bruges, there are beautiful and ancient architectures to see there. In Brussels as well but it's maybe a bit to touristic and dirty as in many big cities I guess..
Rob, we often dismiss the deep pathology of the perpetrators of any immoral act.
Could you break that down further? Interested to learn more about what you mean.
@@The_CauseThey suffer from an undiagnosed mental disease.
This is so relevant to today. Inspiring, thanks.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it! Woolman was a great read. Thank you so much for watching and have a blessed new year!
Yes, many of today's consumer goods including necessities like shoes and clothing are made by child labor and slave labor. It's easier to avoid I think when it comes to groceries because there's a lot of fair trade items available, at least if you live in a major metropolitan area but even then, it's more expensive to buy food that's ethically produced and not everyone can afford it.
Exactly. I have been trying to keep my purchases local and close to home but gosh it’s hard now days. Woolman would have lived like the Amish he was alive today. It’s possible for all of us to quit supporting the industries that participate but none of us are willing to give up the nice lives we live. Small change and education can go along way though. Wars are not won in a day. Thanks so much for watching!
Wow...great insight. I'm sorry to have never known who he was until now. I've read Thoreau and now I need to read Woolman. A lot of this sounds very similar to Civil Disobedience
Yes Thoreau left more written material behind than Woolman. His journal is short compared to the works of Thoreau. I have not read much of Thoreau but I am anxious to dive more in to his works. Truly appreciate you tuning in brother! Stay blessed!
I think you would really enjoy Civil Disobedience. It's a pretty quick read too, although you have your hands full with 5' of books!
haha yes indeed! Got number four showing up any day now as well. If only I could create more time... haha
I have never had any interest in the Harvard Classics collection until hearing here about this John Woolman. For me, Britannica's Great Books collection was all that was needed, it seems my view was wrong.
I think the Great Books are great! I got a set a few weeks back and have been just looking through them. I consider the sets completely different though. The Harvard Classics seem to be compile on a more ethical/moral compilation whereas the Great Books are like a deep dive in the western civilization and society. I am looking forward to eventually completing both. The problem is it may be a decade before I achieve it. haha
I love this analysis
Glad to hear my friend! Thanks so much for watching and stay blessed!
#12:00 interesting how the moral code by Woolman for those who want to use poor arguments, the answer and the question are found in his life and that's by- treat others as how you want to be treated.
so those who use that poor argument that one race is a sin, they wouldn't like that argument if they were that race but Woolman would like his stance (free people) if he were one or not.
You're a smart dude. Enjoy your videos! The thing about the dream, is how he is put in the company of the miserable. How he's laboring with them, and is among them at their work. I find that interesting... He puts himself into the plight of the slaves.
Idk about smart. Just very open to learn and humbled at how little I know! I really enjoyed reading about Woolman. I still ponder on him some. Such a pious man. Very rare to find anyone like him now days. Thanks for watching my friend! As always stay blessed!
Hi, Rob! I just came across your channel and heard your talk about John Woolman. How did you obtain your collection of the Harvard Classics?
Hey buddy! I found a set on Facebook market place and had them shipped to me. I paid around 300 plus shipping. There are always a few sets on there ranging in price and condition. If you wait a bit you can find a good deal on them and depending on where you live you may be able to pick them up locally. You thinking about getting a set?
It is also possible to download most classic books from Gutenberg Project for free. ❤
Well done! Thank you!
My pleasure my friend. These have been a joy to make and I have learned so much. I hope others are getting just as much out of them. Have a blessed weekend!
What is the name of the song at the end of the video?
It’s called Brooklyn bay Grant Terry. Not a very well known artist but a good one. Thanks for watching my friend!
Thanks man. Great videos.
Please read The Black Jacobins!
I have heard a lot of things about the black Napoleon of Saint Domingue. He pops up a lot in many of the history books around that time. But I looked up the book from the 1930s I think you are referencing and I will def move it up to my reading list. Thanks for sharing and have a blessed new year!
This is excellent
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for watching! Stay blessed!
Get it Rob!!!
#10:00 we must relize how great orator Woolman were, or else no one would give up their salve (an expensive investment) easy.
#10:50 "loosing will" is insanity, couldn't have said it better, same situation found in jail cells, this why I think they should be a special academic and spiritual studies in jail, catering for everyone or else they'll no inherent motivation to do better when released and thisis currently a major problem in usa and other countries
That is a good point on being a great orator that I did not think of. He definitely had to be persuasive.
I dont know if theres any polite way of asking, but what is your theological purview / faith if any
I am a Christian but not as well versed as I would like to be. This series will hopefully help out with that. I try and play devils advocate some in the videos and use the perspective of the writer versus throwing my religion and faith into the mix. Truly appreciate you watching my friend! Stay blessed!
@@The_CauseGod bless brother
5:40 I don't think people realize that were they to be transported into the past, chances are very high they would be willful participants in such evils regardless of what they claim to believe today because most people don't really have good reasons to believe what they believe, and they cannot articulate why they believe such things.
They just kinda go with the flow, and in 1750 the flow in virtually the entire world was slavery is the normal state of things, its never going away, and you are some kind of nut if you try to change it.
John Woolman not only knew what he believed, he knew exactly why he believed it, and he could specifically articulate why.
That is something very important to ponder on. I completely agree with you. We all like to think we would be the virtuous individual bucking the waves and sacrificing for the just cause but that is not usually the case. Truly appreciate your perspective. Stay blessed!
You should use the terminology of the period and not equivocate with terms presently in use. You take away from the text when you do that.
Maybe once I learn more about those times I can make that happen. I fear my current level of knowledge will prevent me from meeting that standard. I will most definitely try and work on it though. Thanks for watching and have a blessed new year!
@@The_Cause I know this comment is a couple months old (I’m working my way through your older videos), but I wanted to stay, I respectfully disagree with this sentiment. I think your use of language is the exact ‘bridge’ that some people may need. This is your presentation of the text to us & I think you’re going a fantastic job! The addition of reading passages & being able to view the text in your video is perfect. 👍🏻 I say, keep doing what you’re doing! Just my two cents 😄
#23:59 I think Andrew tate is pretty good because he just not trying to make people wealthy but also give them a good moral purpose, such as body health. helping others plus religion
Still an apologist regarding his subjective views that were not based on the bible and especially far from those depicted being from an as depicted Jesus. No cigar for christianity here.
In following the basic Christian teaching of doing to others as you would have them do to you I would have to disagree. I think Woolman was acting on more than just a religion as I believe he was truly acting from the soul. The problem with the Bible and Christianity is Christianity is just the New Testament. The talk of Old Testament is found in many other religions as well such as Judaism and the such. Woolman would walk very closely to the followings and standards of Christ. I agree it is hard to read the Bible (Old Testament) and not see the support of slavery and servants and the such. It was very common in the Old Testament and the Hebrew God will send the Israelites into slavery multiple times. Truly appreciate you watching and commenting! Love hearing everyone’s thoughts on the subject. Have a blessed week!
@@The_Cause Slavery in the Bible was different than slavery in say the Americas. Slavery in the Bible was more like indentured servitude and the slaves had certain rights like the slave owner could be put to death if he severely injures the slave. Now weather or not that was known in Woolman's time i dont know.
I think it was more similar than people think. Reading through Leviticus and Numbers it’s clear that there was not much value put in slaves. There were laws but like in the US how many were actually held accountable for the misdeeds. Truly appreciate your comment and I will have to think on that more as I read through more of the Old Testament. Stay blessed brother!
@@Uncle_Jacob That is a widely disproven lie of bible apologetics. Do your research.
Do you know much about a man called William Wilburforce?
Between John Moolman and Wilburforce, both were convicted by their faith to fight courageously against slavery, and Wilburforce ultimately succeeded against all odds to turn the British parliament around and support the abolition of slavery. Then there was John Newton, the former slave trader convicted by God to repent, and later wrote the famous hymn "Amazing Grace". I'm sure you could find many more examples if you wanted to.
In my experience, the Spirit of Jesus in us touches and convicts our hearts on such matters.
On the debate about why there was slavery in the Bible, I find that to be something that is malevolently used to distract you from Jesus, as when you encounter the love of Jesus, that alone settles all such questions and you are left in no doubt as to who he is.
So why does the God of the Bible appear to allow slavery?
Some think that he does because in the Bible, God does not entirely abandon those who practice it, and even encourages slaves to obey their masters as opposed to rebelling against them. In that case however, God should therefore also be accused of approving every other kind of evil that men practiced throughout the Bible unless he were to abandon such people entirely. Rahab the harlot for example, was shown special favour and was included in the line of Christ’s ancestry. Does this mean that God approved of her harlotry? Given that God has not abandoned Israel entirely, does that mean that he approves of all of her works?
Those who make these accusations against the God of the Bible would themselves have no way back to God if he were as intolerant as they want him to be. Nevertheless, God will, in fact, destroy every kind of evil that people practice, but not through the wrath of men, as the wrath of men is ineffective in accomplishing the righteousness and justice of God. His way of eliminating the evil works of men is to bring as many of them into Christ as possible, and then destroy all else. Christ is like the ark of Noah, or the backup drive where you save your important files before you reformat a virus ridden PC.
Regarding injustice, do not worry; Jesus said that those who are last now will be first in his kingdom, and those who are first now will be last in his kingdom. In other words, he knows your works and your heart, and will judge each man accordingly. This life is like a vapour, it is here today and gone tomorrow, and there is no justice in it. The eternal existence of your soul matters far more. It is there that we will find the justice that we crave.