A Theologian, a King, and a Writer

History is filled with colorful characters. However, if I could have dinner with any three particular figures, I would choose St. Augustine, Charlemagne, and Ernest Hemingway. Each lived in a different time period, if I was able to meet them, they could provide me with three different views and three different pieces of advice.

I chose St. Augustine for a plethora of reasons. St. Augustine is considered to be one of the greatest figures in the Church’s history. This fact is somewhat appealing to me since I was brought up as a Catholic. He also lived an unconventional life. From what I previously knew about St. Augustine, those around him would probably not peg him as being viewed as one of the most influential figures in Church history. St. Augustine was born in North Africa, a place more associated with anguish and struggle rather than success. If St. Augustine could make something of himself, it gives me hope that I can to.

I had other reasons for picking Charlemagne. He lived in the Middle Ages, a dark time for most of Europe. Europe was fractured and divided and on the cusp of being overrun by foreign factions. Then, out of this darkness comes Charlemagne, who is able to consolidate power and establish a new empire. This empire would then become known as the Holy Roman Empire. However, Charlemagne is also known as being a champion for education, which is ironic since he was illiterate. In high school, I took three history classes that involved Western European history. Each year Charlemagne was merely a footnote and now I would like to get better acquainted with an underappreciated historical figure.

I chose Hemingway because like St. Augustine, he had a more than interesting life. Hemingway was an American writer who...

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...t leisure hours he might accustom his hand to form the letters; however, as he did not begin his efforts in due season, but late in life, they met with ill success.” (Life of Charlemagne) Einhard also details and informs me how Charlemagne was a large in stature; “his height was well known to have been seven times the length of his foot.” Charlemagne died in 814 C.E, leaving behind a legacy that few could match.

Ernest Hemingway could never match Charlemagne on the battlefield, but he would find himself quite comfortable in the literary arena. Hemingway was born in 1899, which would make him the closest figure to my time. In his youth, Hemingway spent his time in Chicago before enlisting in the army. He would end up being an ambulance driver in World War 1. However, he was injured and he subsequently returned to the United States, but he would not stay for long.