Author name: Dante Sisofo

Dante Alighieri, in his epic poem “The Divine Comedy,” uses the character of Virgil as a guide for the protagonist (also named Dante) through Hell and Purgatory. Virgil, the ancient Roman poet known for “The Aeneid,” is symbolic in several ways:

1. Guide and Mentor: Virgil represents human reason and wisdom. His role is to guide Dante through the Inferno (Hell) and Purgatorio (Purgatory), explaining the sights and imparting knowledge.
2. Symbol of Classical Antiquity: Virgil’s presence links Dante’s work to the classical tradition, showcasing Dante’s respect for ancient poets and philosophers.
3. Moral and Ethical Framework: Virgil offers a moral compass to Dante during his journey, often providing insights into the nature of sin and justice.
4. Literary Influence: By choosing Virgil, Dante acknowledges the influence of classical literature on his own work. Virgil’s “Aeneid” was a significant influence on medieval literature and thought.
5. Limitation of Human Reason: In the Divine Comedy, Virgil can only take Dante up to the Earthly Paradise at the top of Mount Purgatory. This limitation symbolizes the idea that human reason (Virgil) has its limits and cannot understand the divine mysteries of Paradise, which require divine revelation and faith.

Dante’s use of Virgil is multifaceted, serving both as a literary device and as a symbol of broader themes within the narrative.

The word “consonance” originates from the Latin “consonantia,” meaning “agreeing in sound.” It’s a combination of “com-” (together) and “sonare” (to sound). Over time, “consonance” has come to describe a harmonious combination of sounds or agreement in English.

“Stilo rappresentativo” is a term from early music history, referring to a style of vocal music that emerged in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. This style is characterized by its expressive, almost speech-like melody, intended to enhance the emotional and dramatic impact of the text. It was a key development leading to the invention of opera, as composers like Claudio Monteverdi used it to create a more natural and expressive musical setting for their dramatic works. In “stilo rappresentativo,” the music closely follows the inflections and rhythm of speech, allowing for greater expression and communication of the text’s emotional content.

The word “mythopoeic” is derived from two Greek roots:

1. “Mythos” (μῦθος) which means “myth” or “story.”
2. “Poeia” (ποίησις) which is derived from “poiein” meaning “to make” or “to create.”

So, “mythopoeic” essentially means “myth-making” or “creating myths.” This term is often used in the context of literature and mythology to describe the creation of myths or the quality of being myth-like.

The etymology of “omnipotence” traces back to Latin. It’s formed from two parts:

1. “Omni-” which means “all” or “every,” derived from the Latin “omnis.”
2. “-potentia,” meaning “power,” from “potens,” which is the present participle of “posse,” meaning “to be able.”

Thus, “omnipotence” literally translates to “all-power” or “having all power,” reflecting its definition of unlimited power or authority.

I believe as a man, it’s our duty to be strong. Strength matters because it helps us move through each day with confidence and courage.

Staying warm during the winter months is important in order to continue practicing photography. What’s better than owning a Leica? Having a good coat and warm clothes to keep shooting during the cold months.

• Down Jacket: Down seems to be the warmest material for the winter months. I personally use a Canada Goose XL Parka and it is impenetrable from the cold. Other options from Uniqlo are great as well.
• Down vest: Double down? Sometimes it’s good to double down and wear a vest as an under later. Uniqlo and Lululemon have great options.
• Sweater: I use the Lululemon knit sweater paired with a T-Shirt as my under layers.
• Two pants: I wear two pairs of pants. One loose external layer that blocks the wind, and one internal sweat pant layer that keeps my legs cozy.
• Wool socks: I recently picked up a pair of these alpaca wool socks, and they’re extremely warm for the winter months. I pair them with my ASICS Gore-Tex shoes, and they feel great.
• Simple gloves: In order to operate my camera, I keep the gloves simple. Northface E-Tip are gear because they are thin, but just warm enough to keep my going.