Commentaries have value

Today, a short blurb on a lost art that you should not only know more about but consider practicing yourself - commentaries. For millennia, commentary was the preeminent form of expression but also innovation. Consider that almost every major intellectual breakthrough made during the Early Middle Ages was made in commentary of some form. The esteemed philosopher Avicena made his reputation with his commentaries on the work of Aristotle. In fact, it was Avicenna's commentaries themselves instead of Aristotle's own words that attracted the most attention and study from European philosophers of later centuries. That would include Thomas Aquinas. Speaking of Aquinas, the whole religious study tradition could be seen as a form of commentary. This includes a large breadth of religions from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and many other less common faiths. In that way, any serious historical researcher should really consider with great attention commentaries. The broad story of intellectual history without such marginalia would be frankly incomplete.

Commentaries have the power to not only share knowledge but shape it. The revisionism of authoritative text from the past is a great tool we have to organize and even maybe resolve fundamental problems in the present. Besides, commentaries reveal the true nature of knowledge as a collective practice. It is by commentary that you can better appreciate the evolving views of successive generations. By challenging cannons, we can better host and share the experience of many voices each worth its salt. Keep in mind that commentating and criticizing a text is not blasphemy and should not be done with disrespect. On the contrary, an appropriate commentary is the ultimate way we have to show our respect and understanding of a work, its context and its intention.

So where has the commentary form gone? Well, in truth, it has moved one bit. It is just, sadly, buried under the relatively new philosophical view and interest in “original“ texts and the elevation of the individual. It goes without saying that our modern world‘s focus on accessible and fast content really goes against the meticulous and studious approach governing commentaries. To bring back commentaries in your life, you should consider alternative forms to it. Indeed, like any form of expression, commentaries don‘t have to be limited to the written form. In fact, it never was since humanity as an extensive history of oral tradition in that context. From our modern view, you could approach commentaries in the audio or video form for example. Feel free to stick with the written form if that is better suited to your taste.

How to find worthwhile commentators? First and foremost, they have to be knowledgeable in their subject. That might seem obvious but with just how expression is accessible these days it is not a given. The best commentators give great insightful educated perspectives. The commentator has an instructor who can help us understand a subject more quickly by focusing our gaze on what matters. More importantly, it is by reading good quality commentaries that we can form an educated opinion on a subject. That should be your goal in any subject you study. Yet, we always have to keep in mind that a commentary is at heart an opinion. Even the most knowledgeable writer will focus your attention on what matters to them, shaping your own judgment. This is why finding a good commentator is paramount. Knowing the limitations common to every individual will also better arm you against that risk.

So, sadly, there isn‘t a one-size-fits-all formula to find great commentators. You can still use common and useful indicators. For example, beware of overabundant confidence. Do not limit your attention to the first commentator you find on a subject. Read from a variety of opinions, consider their judgment, their style and choose accordingly. Make sure to not limit yourself to commentators matching your pre-conceived opinions. Your most fruitful commentators should come from people who do not share your view - oppose it even.

That will be all for today. I hope I piqued your interest in the form. If you want to glimpse at what historical commentary studies look like, check out the examples on Global Commentary‘s website: https://globalcommentary.utoronto.ca/?cat=160 .

In any case, take some time for yourself and see you next time.