Letter 33: A fragment of a letter in which Jerome institutes a comparison between the industry as writers of M. T. Varro and Origen.

Letter 33: To Paula (384 AD, Rome) [A fragment of a letter in which Jerome compares the productivity of the pagan scholar Varro with that of the Christian theologian Origen. Notably, this letter contains nothing but praise for Origen — a striking contrast with Jerome's later career, when he turned savagely against Origen's legacy during the great Origenist controversy of the 390s. This is early Jerome, still an unabashed admirer.] 1. Ancient Rome marvels at Marcus Terentius Varro [116-27 BC, the most prolific Roman scholar, author of an estimated 74 works on everything from agriculture to linguistics] for the sheer number of books he wrote for Latin readers. And the Greeks are extravagant in praising their own "man of bronze" [Didymus of Alexandria, nicknamed 'Bronze-Guts' for his phenomenal output, said to have written 3,500-4,000 books], who produced more works than any one of us could even copy, let alone compose. But since listing Greek titles would bore a Latin audience, I'll stick to Varro. I want to show that we of the present day are sleeping the sleep of Epimenides [a legendary Cretan seer said to have fallen asleep for 57 years], devoting to the piling up of wealth the energy our ancestors gave to serious — if secular — scholarship. 2. Varro's works include forty-five books on antiquities, four on the life of the Roman people... 3. But why, you ask, all this about Varro and the man of bronze? Simply to introduce our Christian man of bronze — or rather, man of adamant [an indestructible mythical substance]: I mean Origen [c. 184-253 AD, the towering early Christian theologian based in Alexandria and Caesarea], whose passion for studying Scripture has truly earned him that name. Would you like to know what monuments of genius he left behind? Here's the list: thirteen books on Genesis, two books of mystical homilies, notes on Exodus, notes on Leviticus... single volumes on various topics, four books on First Principles [his most controversial philosophical-theological work], two books on the Resurrection, two dialogues on the same subject... [The list continues but the text is fragmentary] 4. So you see — the labors of this one man have surpassed those of all previous writers, Greek and Latin combined. Who could ever manage to read everything he wrote? Yet what reward did his efforts bring him? He was condemned by his own bishop, Demetrius [bishop of Alexandria, who expelled Origen around 231 AD], with only the bishops of Palestine, Arabia, Phoenicia, and Achaia dissenting. Imperial Rome ratified his condemnation and even convened a special session to censure him — not, despite what the rabid attack dogs who now pursue him claim, because of any novelty or heresy in his teachings, but because people simply could not tolerate the incomparable eloquence and knowledge that, the moment he opened his mouth, made everyone else look mute. 5. I've dashed off the above quickly and carelessly, by the light of a dim lantern. You'll understand why if you think about the kind of people who today represent Epicurus and Aristippus [i.e., Jerome's enemies in Rome, whom he's comparing to ancient philosophers known for their pursuit of pleasure].

To Paula A fragment of a letter in which Jerome institutes a comparison between the industry as writers of M. T. Varro and Origen. It is noteworthy as passing an unqualified eulogium upon Origen, which contrasts strongly with the tone adopted by the writer in subsequent years (see, e.g., Letter LXXXIV.). Its date is probably 384 A.D. 1. Antiquity marvels at Marcus Terentius Varro, because of the countless books which he wrote for Latin readers; and Greek writers are extravagant in their praise of their man of brass, because he has written more works than one of us could so much as copy. But since Latin ears would find a list of Greek writings tiresome, I shall confine myself to the Latin Varro. I shall try to show that we of today are sleeping the sleep of Epimenides, and devoting to the amassing of riches the energy which our predecessors gave to sound, if secular, learning. 2. Varro's writings include forty-five books of antiquities, four concerning the life of the Roman people. 3. But why, you ask me, have I thus mentioned Varro and the man of brass? Simply to bring to your notice our Christian man of brass, or, rather, man of adamant — Origen, I mean — whose zeal for the study of Scripture has fairly earned for him this latter name. Would you learn what monuments of his genius he has left us? The following list exhibits them. His writings comprise thirteen books on Genesis, two books of Mystical Homilies, notes on Exodus, notes on Leviticus, * * * * also single books, four books on First Principles, two books on the Resurrection, two dialogues on the same subject. * * * * * * * * * * * 4. So, you see, the labors of this one man have surpassed those of all previous writers, Greek and Latin. Who has ever managed to read all that he has written? Yet what reward have his exertions brought him? He stands condemned by his bishop, Demetrius, only the bishops of Palestine, Arabia, Phenicia, and Achaia dissenting. Imperial Rome consents to his condemnation, and even convenes a senate to censure him, not — as the rabid hounds who now pursue him cry — because of the novelty or heterodoxy of his doctrines, but because men could not tolerate the incomparable eloquence and knowledge which, when once he opened his lips, made others seem dumb. 5. I have written the above quickly and incautiously, by the light of a poor lantern. You will see why, if you think of those who today represent Epicurus and Aristippus. About this page Source. Translated by W.H. Fremantle, G. Lewis and W.G. Martley. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 6. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1893.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3001033.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is feedback732 at newadvent.org. (To help fight spam, this address might change occasionally.) Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.