​The Profound

The most profound thought ever recorded to parchment is not found in any of the world’s great religious texts. Nor did it come from the quill of Shakespeare. Rather, it was written by an anonymous 14th century monk long forgotten to history.

So deep and learned was this treatise, that it caused church authorities to take note. Worried that it may lead those less secure in their faith to question church dogma, an inquisition was convened. The anonymous monk refused to condemn his work. All his writings were burned and he was immured in his cell.

The only record of his writings were passing references from the transcript of the inquisition. In time Pope Clement VI ordered these destroyed too, so concerned he was that this false teaching may still spread.

And yet, for all the safeguards the church established it did spread. You see, dear reader, while I may never know what this teaching was, I treat it as a Memento Mori. It is a reminder that every effort I make to put pen to paper must always end in abject failure. Whatever I write will never be as profound, or deep, or beautiful as those words long lost to history…