Reading Berlinski is like dining at a buffet of delicious ideas. The courses go quickly, but frequently one must pause in order to savor a particularly juicy bite--then perhaps go back for another helping before proceeding to the next course.I teach mathematics at a school for some of the most intellectually advanced students in the world. I am always looking for ways to help my students discover the world beyond their curriculum...to understand the *why* and the wonder of a particular subject. To ask the big questions. To inspire and nurture their love of mathematics. Berlinski's book fits the bill.Geometry is particularly useful for nurturing critical thinking and logic, and Euclid is its patriarch. In a Geometry class many years ago, I challenged my students with the notion that "there are no circles in the material universe." This intrigued one of my students in particular, and for weeks she was asking follow-up questions as the notions wrought her intellect. One profound notion, and she became a critical thinker. Now, she is an astrophysicist. Never underestimate the life-changing power of a big idea. And Geometry...particularly a la Euclid...is teeming with big morsels.Berlinski really gets this, and his own joy glows in his prose. Berlinski communicates about mathematics like Feynman communicates about physics. Both of them see the big picture, but relish in the details. In one portion Berlinski notes the connection between Platonic forms and Euclid's geometry:"Mathematicians often draw a distinction between concrete and abstract models of Euclidean geometry. In the abstract models of Euclidean geometry, shapes enjoy a pure Platonic existence. The concrete models are in the physical world. Freeways masquerade as straight lines, ink drops as points, amphitheaters as circles, and planetary orbits as ellipses."Berlinski also notes that Euclid not only systematized several key ideas...he also recognized that the ideas themselves *could* be organized. This has had a profound and foundational effect on the history of Western civilization. Of course, Berlinski is not the first to recognize this. But how refreshing and what a pleasure to read the prose of someone who thinks in big ideas and *also* write so wryly and skillfully about them.I agree with Berlinski that when it comes to geometry, no one does it better than Euclid. After all, the elements has remained vivid and relevant for over two millenia, with a profound effect on the Western world. Every literate thinker should spend some quality time in Euclid's classroom. From a modern classroom pedagogical point of view, I think Jacob's "Geometry" (ISBN-13: 978-0716717454) is also quite practical, basically following Euclid's methods. This year, my students will experience all three books. It's gonna be fun.Well done, Dr. Berlinski!