Chapter 11
The Architecture of Evil
Upon the utmost verge of a high bank, By craggy rocks environ’d round, we came, Where woes beneath more cruel yet were stow’d: And here to shun the horrible excess Of fetid exhalation, upward cast From the profound abyss, behind the lid Of a great monument we stood retir’d, Whereon this scroll I mark’d: “I have in charge Pope Anastasius, whom Photinus drew From the right path.—Ere our descent behooves We make delay, that somewhat first the sense, To the dire breath accustom’d, afterward Regard it not.” My master thus; to whom Answering I spake: “Some compensation find That the…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Trust Circles
Draw three concentric circles representing different levels of trust in your life. Inner circle: people whose betrayal would devastate you (family, closest friends, partners). Middle circle: important relationships where betrayal would hurt but not destroy you (good friends, trusted colleagues). Outer circle: casual relationships where betrayal would be annoying but manageable. Now think about what each circle has access to in your life and what boundaries protect each level.
Consider:
- •What information, resources, or vulnerabilities does each circle have access to?
- •Have you ever been betrayed by someone from the wrong circle - someone you trusted too much or too little?
- •How do you decide when someone moves between circles, either gaining or losing trust?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone betrayed your trust. Using Dante's categories, was it weakness, violence, or fraud? How did recognising the type of betrayal affect how you handled it and whether you gave them another chance?
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