What Happened to America’s First Megacity?

Why Are There 7 Days In a Week? EXPLAINED

Todays Thought

Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise. 

-Francis Bacon, essayist, philosopher, and statesman (22 Jan 1561-1626)

Todays Thought

In those parts of the world where learning and science have prevailed, miracles have ceased; but in those parts of it as are barbarous and ignorant, miracles are still in vogue. 

-Ethan Allen, revolutionary (21 Jan 1738-1789)

Nefandous

 

nefandous

PRONUNCIATION:

(nuh-FAN-duhs) 

MEANING:

adjective: So wicked as to defy description: abominable, appalling.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin nefandus (wicked), from ne- (not) + fandus (to be spoken), gerundive (verbal adjective) of fari (to speak). Earliest documented use: 1649.

NOTES:

A synonym of today’s word is nefarious, but it’s from Latin fas (right, divine law) instead of fari (to speak).

USAGE:

“Does it not, then, fit such a man to a hair to call him nefandous? ... Better kiss an asp or a viper; then the risk is a bite and a pain which the doctor cures when you call him. But from the venom of your kiss, who could approach victims or altars? What god would listen to one’s prayer?”
Lucian (Translation: H.W. Fowler and F.G Fowler); The Works of Lucian of Samosata; Oxford University Press; 1905.

Todays Thought

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. 

-Edgar Allan Poe, poet and short-story writer (19 Jan 1809-1849)

Todays Thought

A certain kind of rich man afflicted with the symptoms of moral dandyism sooner or later comes to the conclusion that it isn't enough merely to make money. He feels obliged to hold views, to espouse causes and elect Presidents, to explain to a trembling world how and why the world went wrong. 

-Lewis H. Lapham, editor and writer (8 Jan 1935-2024)