Thank you. If I had to guess or interpolate I would imagine that he would disapprove of someone reading his letters if they were doing it simply to acquire knowledge, or especially if one just bought the book so that it would look impressive on one's bookshelf. But he might not disapprove if someone had an earnest reason to read them and actually gained an insight or two.

It's too bad that heads of state don't have official "party animals" like Petronius anymore, perhaps they'd be more calm and mellow, though it didn't exactly work out that way for the Romans, did it? Still it is certainly an interesting idea.

There is a krewe named after Petronius that holds a yearly Mardi Gras ball, but they do not parade. I suppose, given the nature of the krewe (leathermen and drag queens, etc.) that they might not exactly fit the bill of "family entertainment."

At this point I don't really have any thoughts to add about Lent, though I was raised nominally Catholic this was never something that was observed in my family's culture. I did consider observing it; perhaps a more seasoned approach to consider for next year.