This is a site dedicated to the honors thesis process, from the first glimmer of an idea to the completion of the project. On its various pages you will articles on developing an idea, finding an advisor, creating a research proposal, and so much more.
The image in the header is the engraving Melancolia I by Albrecht Dürer from 1514. In the image, the winged figure of Melancholia (Melancholy) sits lost in thought surrounded by the instruments of art and science – a compass, book, scales, hourglass, woodworking tools, melting pot, and pot of ink. According to Renaissance thought, the scholar most keenly felt the planetary influence of Saturn and suffered from an abundance of the bodily fluid that led to feelings of melancholy. Fully absorbed by a problem that cannot yet be solved, Melancholia contrasts with the little cherub furiously (unthinkingly?) scribbling on his slate. Although seemingly diametrically opposed, both of these figures belong to us all; they represent the dangers of leaping into action without proper forethought and the danger of becoming frozen by the enormity of our questions, of our doubts, and of our feelings of inadequacy. Dürer himself, a master draftsmen, engraver, and painter who produced hundreds of images still admired today, still suffered from a keen sense of his own limitations. He once wrote, “But what absolute beauty is, I know not. Nobody knows it except God.” He did not, however, allow that melancholy thought prevent him from producing enduring works of art.
The goal of this website is to bring the two parts of ourselves together, the angel and cherub, to spur into action the part of us that can get lost in thought and self-doubt, while ensuring that our actions are guided by forethought and sound preparation.
Citations:
Erwin Panofsky, The Life and Art of Albrecht Dürer (Princeton University Press, 1955), 156-171. [Of course there are citations! This is a website about writing an honors thesis after all]
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