On the Esoteric Boomerang Effect.

In Philosophy Between the Lines Arthur Melzer credits Leo Strauss with the rediscovery of esoteric writing. The purpose of esoteric writing, Strauss argued, was originally to defend an author from persecution by the authorities. We point out the extraordinary reversal that has occurred as a result of the application of that rediscovery to Strauss' own writings. Critics feel empowered to deny that Strauss meant what he wrote, especially in defense of liberal democracy. And, as Strauss observed, readings between the lines are impossible to prove—or disprove. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]