New Gem | No More Learning

It is a commonplace of criticism that Lucian was the first of the
moderns, but in truth he is near to our time because of all the
ancients he is nearest to his own.

Word:

commonplace

Question:

Why does the author believe that Lucian is closer to modern times due to his proximity to his own time among the ancients?

Answer (optional):

The author believes that Lucian is closer to modern times due to his proximity to his own time among the ancients because of his unique approach to literature and observation of the world. Lucian focused on the everyday life and the individual rather than traditional or abstract subjects, capturing the complexity and wonder of everyday people. He observed the world through the lens of truth and unraveled the "tangled skein of human folly." As a result, his writings remain fresh and relevant, and his characters are as familiar today as they were in the second century.