I don't know if I agree. I read Ambrose's message to be things simply stated may be true, and things eloquently stated may be false, and of the two, truth is easiest stated simply.
I agree with you on Lago: Take things as they are stated, not to look for some deeper or mystical meaning.
So as I see it, they are not far different. Think on this.
I have to compare Iago in othello to Ambrose's message in St. Augustine's Confessions.
Ambrose's message is to not take the Bible literally, but figuratively so that he can understand the deeper meaning.
I must say how Iago's lesson is the opposite of what Ambrose teaches, which would be to take things literally and not figuratively, but I'm sure what this means, or how to go about it.
3 answers
It is quoted in Augustine's confessions, "the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." if this is so, then I believe Ambrose is telling Augustine the the letter, or the law, or exact words in the bible aren't meant to be taken literally, but figuratively in order to obtain spiritual life and understand God.
How then is Iago teaching the opposite lesson to this then? to as you say, take things as they are stated?
what would specific examples be?
I'm so sorry but I'm just having trouble understanding
How then is Iago teaching the opposite lesson to this then? to as you say, take things as they are stated?
what would specific examples be?
I'm so sorry but I'm just having trouble understanding
Laura, see the dissertation I posted on the new post. One note here: the message Iago gave (not to look deeper than his message) was not the lesson Iago gave...he was an evil man, but on the face of his words, he espoused good. Of course he didn't want folks to look deeper.