Classical Stuff You Should Know

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In this episode, we dive into Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." We've never really done the whole book in an episode before, so this is (part 1) of a great little introduction for those thinking about reading the book or teaching it to a few edgelords of your own.

In this episode, Graeme walks us through the complicated world of factions. How do we make sure that everybody . . . and nobody . . . gets what they want?

In this episode we cover a little of Poe's life, then two of his famous stories.

In this episode, we discuss how Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan" relates to the victory of Romanticism. That, and we giggle sometimes.

In this episode, we discuss ol' Robinson Crusoe, how he lived on the island, and escaped twenty-eight years later. It's . . . kinda good?

In this episode, Graeme introduces us to "The Servile State," by Hilaire Belloc. All I know is that living in the woods has always been attractive to me, and now Graeme introduces fishing? Hot diggity, look for me near the trees, boys!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!

In this episode, we learn about William of Ockham's ridiculous notion that our words don't mean anything. Then why am I even writing this, WILLIAM. WHY DO WE EVEN TALK. You can tell that I (A.J.) am a big fan of this theory.

Apparently Tolkien is a fabulous illustrator. Who knew? I've seriously looked up prints, and they are weirdly hard to find . . . but enchanting. Oh, this episode is about Christmas. Merry Christmas!

In this episode, we learn how to---as Graeme would say---RIP THE SYSTEM. Well, at least until an aunt bails us out.

In this episode, we talk about allegory and cattle. Oh, and Pilgrim's Progress

In this episode, Graeme talks us through a framework in which we can experience Macbeth (you know, that Scottish play). Turns out that when you kill a Scottish king, everything goes topsy turvy.

Ever heard of the headless horseman? Did you know he was a Hessian Soldier? Do you know where the Jack-o-lantern comes from? FIND OUT IN THIS SPOOOOOOOKY EPISODE.

Faeries. Stay away from them or you'll have your finger pricked all to heck.

In this episode, Graeme discusses the degradation of man as a reflection of the degradation of the state suggested in Plato's Republic, Book VIII. Apparently true freedom is bloodshed.

In this (far too long) episode, we play a quiz show with a cake as a prize. Because really, that's what every war is about: cake.

Thomas continues his series on children's books with the (an?) original Beauty and the Beast tale. It's pretty lovely. Is it bad if I want to be Thomas's kid?

In this episode, we discuss Jane Austen's "Sense & Sensibility," along with a bunch of doofy males. I mean we discuss them, we don't podcast with them.

Evil deeds? Never. I would never do that. I mean, somebody else might. But I never would. Trample a child? Nah. Nope. Not me.

In this episode, Graeme tells us of the Narcissism of Raskolnikov. I mean, Graeme tells you, but A.J. had all the ideas (please give him validation).

In this episode, we talk about ants, grasshoppers, scorpions, and a fish named Chris.

Ever feel like reading the diary of a Roman emperor? Boy have I got the book for you.

In this episode, Graeme tells us the story of Emma, a meddler, someone who doesn't know as much as she thinks she does. Join us, listener, as we take a journey with a socialite.

In this episode, A.J. is a grouch and falls in a well, Graeme is lovestruck, and Thomas talks us through Menander's play "Dyskolos."

I would love to give you a summary of the episode, but I prefer not to.

So I MAY have missed that Satan is sometimes called the Lord of the Flies. I see that now. I admit I make mistakes. But hey, at least I caught on to the rest of the biblical imagery.

In this episode, we discuss Paul Kingsnorth's lecture about Christian civilization. Some are for it. Some against it. Settle it with a boxing match? Yes please.

"Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat?"

In this episode, you get a semi-faithful reproduction of the talk AJ did on the Socratic Method. TLDR: just ask questions and try not to be obnoxious.

Ever wonder what Socrates discussed with his buds before he drank the poison? Well, it was the soul. Now you know. You can skip the episode I guess.

Aristotle and Plato have very different approaches to epistemology. In this episode, we discuss the implications of each.

In this episode, we discuss the views of two famous dudes on Death. One is old and makes everyone else overthink everything. The other is young and overthinks everything himself.

In this episode, you'll recall (not learn) how Socrates and Meno try to figure out if Virtue can be taught. You'll remember that it can't.

In this episode, Thomas talks us through the new book by Josh Gibbs: A Parley with Youth. If I remember anything from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, "Parley" means something about booty.

In this episode, we talk about how the American dream will leave you dead in your swimming pool.

Thomas interviews Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy. Davies is the current host of Basecamp Live, and Keith is the founder of Live Sturdy, LLC. Both have various other credentials. Oh heck, just listen to the episode already.

We revisit a book we've done an episode on already. But here's the thing, folks: the book is so dang good, and Graeme walks us through the intricacies of a specific scene in this one. And it's good. Soooooo good. In my humble opinion.

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

In this episode we play the game of Life, explore notions on education, and interact with each other. But we do these things in a carefully cultivated environment designed to guide our inclinations toward growth and improvement.

Uh, yeah, we're obviously big fans of good ol' Tudor. Just come this way. No cops.

In this episode, the Khan sees his most cherished relationships deteriorate. Anda? Nah. More like dead.

This is the penultimate episode of Graeme's series on the war of the roses. There's only one more. It's the end of an era. I, for one, grieve.

Turns out that a king who is good at war sometimes wins wars. Sometimes that means kids beg for their lives. Sometimes that mean someone gets bludgeoned. BUT WE JUST HAVE TO LET THE KING LIVE HIS LIFE OKAY

In this episode, we see the slow degradation of brotherhood, the lamentable breakdown of relationship. Also in this episode: spine cracking wrestling; young love; beating people up with sticks; and knucklebones, the game!

Where does the Pooh part come from? A swan. That's all the explanation you'll get.

In this episode, I admit that while I, Graeme, have some good points, A.J. is ultimately right. He's convinced me with the gravity of his intellect couched in both wit and charm. What a great guy, that A.J..

In this episode, Thomas walks us through the storied life of Beatrix Potter. We also discuss a bully rabbit.

In this episode, we cover the origins and a chunk of the childhood of Temujin; that's Genghis Khan for all you noobs out there.

Kristin Lavransdatter is a three-volume story by Sigrid Undset. This episode covers volume one. And oh, so much happens. Vows are given. Babies conceived. Fathers hoodwinked. We've got fires. Vagabonds. Poison. Oh, it's good.

This is the first episode of a series on "The Secret History of the Mongols," the primary source for a big chunk of our knowledge about Genghis Khan. This episode lays the groundwork for the actual book.

Graeme continues the saga of the War of the Roses. Let me encourage you to receive the caresses of fortune with mild endurance.

This is an excerpt from Thomas's recent interview with Pastor C. R. Wiley about his book, "In the House of Tom Bombadil." The full interview is on our Patreon! We'll have another new episode next week!

Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" is better than you might think. Just as depressing, but probably better. Also, I feel bad for calling Graeme out on "Aprehensious."

Graeme is back with everybody's favorite historical saga. This time featuring: bro king, a secret marriage, and angry advisors.

Aristophanes is a hoot. GET IT!? A HOOT.

In this episode, we discuss how using the right verbs can elevate your writing. It is something useful. You should be a person who uses active verbs. They are great things.

This is the last bit of Aristotle's De Anima. I think we've finally got it cracked. Sort of.

In this episode , Thomas walks us through "The Frogs," by Aristophanes. We also make animal noises.

In this episode, we revamp an old episode and discuss dogma. Typing with only my left hand is hard.

In this episode, we discuss Aristotle's definition of a soul. Only one more book to go and we'll pretty much have the soul solved.

In this episode, Graeme walks us through Bible reading strategies. My hand is injured. This is short.

In this episode (recorded live at Paideia!), we discuss book one of Aristotle's "On the Soul," where he dismantles all the other theories about what a soul is before he provides his answer in book two.

Donaldson regales us with tales of Edward IV, the "Bro King." He loves the ladies. He loves the cash. He loves his bros.

"The Clouds" is the famous play that helped doom poor Socrates. Thomas leads us through the bawdy ancient comedy. By the way, this episode includes a little content that may not be appropriate for all ages. We did edit a little of it out with some jaunty music in the middle, but if you're listening with small children, you were warned.

Human rights are oft trumpeted, but who really knows what they are? Where do they come from? How do they exist? Who gets them? Can I have one?

In the latest installment of Graeme's historical episodes on the War of the Roses, we have several battles, bloodthirsty children, and beheadings. Add Nicolas Cage and you've got yourself a stew going.

Can you believe Josh came back on the podcast? Neither can we. Thomas and Josh discuss Josh’s newest book (Love What Lasts), music, and Die Hard. Links discussed in this episode: To buy a copy of the book: https://circeinstitute.org/product/love-what-lasts/ To sign up for Josh’s summer conference: https://www.gibbsclassical.com/conference For all things Gibbs: https://www.gibbsclassical.com/

Graeme explains why the central bank is generally not a scary thing via the historical Knickerbocker Panic. I always thought that's what it's called when you realized you don't have any clean pants for work. Apparently not (Badum-tisssssss).

In this episode, we discuss a central question in "The Plague" by Camus. Luckily, we avoid the central tenets of existentialism which now apparently raise the hackles of both Graeme AND Thomas. A.J. still likes it, though, and since he's writing this description, he gets to say that the other guys are ninnies, and he's right.

In this episode, we discuss how the different monetary paradigms have affected history. Turns out, it's kinda hard to make things run if you are just trading shoes back and forth.

In this episode we discuss a few of the famous thought experiments and their purpose in general. Also, it's totally not the same boat.

In this episode, we review some common writing errors . . . errors that robots commit. Darn Robits are stealin' our jerbs.

This is the last of the four part series on Kant's "Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals." While I don't feel like I nailed the first bit, I think we ended in a good place.

In this episode, Graeme continues his series on the War of the Roses. The catatonic king finally wakes up, a guy fights the king in order to save him, and Clifford doesn't make an appearance.

In this episode, we discuss the collection of essays written in honor of Andrew Kern, "Liber Amicorum."

In this episode, we continue with chapter two of Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, by Immanuel Kant. Our Hackles. They are raised.

Graeme continues his series on the War of the Roses. New this week: a dude who fights without armor on, a military parade, and the mad king. It's like Game of Thrones, except real and sadly lacking Peter Dinklage.

Tolkien once wrote a story that totally isn't an allegory. Not even one bit. We discuss that story (totally an allegory) in this episode. Also, Horticulture! We don't discuss it, just been thinking about it lately.

In C.S. Lewis's "The Discarded Image," he discusses the complex medieval notion of the cosmos. So . . . we do it too in this episode. Boom.

In this episode, we continue to journey through a small work by Kant that he thought had great potential for popularity. I DOUBT IT.

In this episode, we talk about the exploits of Henry VI, the bookish king. He gets a best friend, a lady, and he gives away some land. Things get crazy.

Ever have trouble deciding the right course of action!? LUCKILY, Kant is here to help with a handy tool!

In this episode, Graeme walks us through how our happiness is a rational thing, and since kids can't be rational . . . they bad.

We finish out the saga of Socrates's trial and death. In this one, Socrates defends why he's sticking around to guzzle some hemlock.

In 1939, C.S. Lewis gave a sermon to some Oxford boys about whether it's okay to study books when there are Nazis to fight.

He's God's gift to Athens, so punish him with free meals.

In this episode: zombies, insane children, opium addicts, constipation, and A.J.'s awful mariner accent

As Socrates waits in line for his own trial, he chats up a fellow named Euthyphro who plans to denounce his own father. They end up discussing the definition of piety until Euthyphro politely excuses himself from the conversation.

In this episode, we follow the aftermath of the death of Henry V. His son, Henry VI, likes hiking, and his widow, Catherine, likes dudes.

This episode was recorded live at the Paideia conference at Veritas Academy in 2022. In this episode, we roast a critic who hates fun things.

Christians are bad for government, I guess.

This episode is the continuation of the War of the Roses, and it tells the story of Henry V and The Battle of Agincourt.

In this episode, we complete our series on "The Genealogy of Morals." We talk about the heritage of Schopenhauer and how that has affected Freddy's philosophy.

The long awaiting continuance of the Plantagenets series finally arrives! Graeme plunges us back into a little UK history.

This is part two of the short series on Jean Jacques Rousseau's "The Social Contract." Just one more!

In this episode, Thomas walks us through the context and performance of Frederick Douglass's speech given to the ladies of the "Rochester Anti-Slavery Sewing Society" in Corinthian Hall on July 5th. The speech does not suck.

"WHAT IS MATH!?" hollers the girl on TikTok. Turns out she's right. Any system requires reference to an external system to make itself consistent, but any system is only a metaphor for the whole. Trust me, it makes sense. This is a cool episode about math and science.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "The Social Contract" laid the political ground for the French Revolution and probably the American Revolution too. This is just part 1 . . . MORE TO COME.

In this episode, we discuss Nietzsche's work, "On the Genealogy of Morality," in which he discusses the history of morality through tracing the words used to describe it. We also talk about a recent film that's pretty good, and poor poor Leopardi again. Join us!

In this episode we track Wordsworth's view of how to stay happy in life, specifically through two poems: "Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey," and "Elegiac Stanzas Suggested by a Picture of Peele Castle in a Storm, Painted by Sir George Beaumont." Turns out he was idealistic when he was young and cranky when he was old. WHO KNEW

During Stalin's regime in Russia there was one author daring enough to write a Satire . . . one that I can't quite nail down. I ask Graeme to help me.

The Proslogion contains Anselm of Canterbury's Ontological Argument, which is still argued about in philosophical circles today. It's not really convincing, except that it is.

We discuss the romantic movement and how they interpret Paradise Lost to be other than what it really is. Also, we get cranky about bad guys.

This one is about an Italian hunchback who lives with his mom and writes nihilistic poetry about women he can't get. You can't make this stuff up.

Asimov's excellent sci-fi trilogy is worth a read. Plus, space capitalism!

I have finally tackled the (rumored) most difficult book in the English language. Feel free to send me any money you've got for the service I just rendered you.

Thomas was kind enough to reach out to Joshua Gibbs for an interview, and the results speak for themselves. Joshua is a renowned figure in the classical world, and we're happy to have him (and his great big bushy beard) on the podcast.

Josh Gibbs decided to write a pamphlet to kids trembling at the notion of going to a classical school. We, clearly a bunch of children, decided to read it.

Nothing to be done.

In this episode, drawing three books together, Graeme leads us through a discussion about Atlas Shrugged in light of the Therapeutic man . . . and Raskolnikov.

In this installment of Thomas's series on the Landmark Herodotus, we talk about the reign of Cambyses, who gave bad gifts, had bad spies, and couldn't pull back a fancy bow. He was cranky about it.

Leibniz's theory of the best of all possible worlds helps to explain the problem of evil in Theism. "Oh nuh uh" says Voltaire. He wrote Candide in response.

In this episode, we discuss David Hicks's (yep, THAT David Hicks, the one who wrote "Norms and Nobility") article "Is Classical Education Still Possible?" If we agree with him, it could mean that two of us are out of a job, and three of us are out of a podcast.

In Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," a character gives a two-hundred-page-long speech on objectivism, her philosophy. Hey, if you're looking for an ethos that gives you both independence AND cash, you're in the right place.

This is our first real venture into eastern philosophy. The Tao Te Ching is from the 4th century BC, and lemme tell ya, I've never wanted to be simple like an infant more.

In this episode, we ponder the four causes and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Well, Thomas does. We ruffle his feathers while he does good work.

Sometimes you have feelings. Romeo is one such person who has feelings. Graeme, inspired by a previous episode, ponders on whether Romeo is an existentialist, meaning that the philosophy is immature.

Existence precedes essence. If you don't know what that means, you're making a statement about how all men should be, you non-existentialist, you. DID YOU KNOW THAT!?!?

Continuing on in the Landmark Herodotus, we get to a chapter which earns him the moniker, "Father of Lies." Overstating it a bit, don't you think?

In this episode, we discuss Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations." But you know, if you keep your expectations low, it's harder to be disappointed. I guess, in a way, that's the point of this book.

In this second episode on the Landmark Herodotus, we discuss the exploits of Cyrus the great. You can look forward to: baby swapping, kid kingdom, and blood wine for the dead!

The writings of Epictetus are some of the only stoic manuscripts that survive. The Enchiridion is his essential handbook for the budding acolyte of Stoicism.

A literary foil is something in the story that exists to highlight the characteristics of the protagonists. COULD IT BE that literature is a foil for us!? I THINK YES.

The Trolley problem presents a perfect study case from which to look at different ethical viewpoints. But . . . come on. You know you'd pull the lever. It's just the right thing to do.

In 1848, a small group of social philosophers publish a little pamphlet with big wings: The Communist Manifesto. This podcast is about that thing.

In this episode we talk about the differences in theme and construction between the recent (pretty solid) film about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and the poem by the same name.

Herodotus put together a pretty stellar history, and the Landmark version is a stellar translation of it. In this episode we discuss the book and several stories from it.

Arthur Brooks, a researcher of happiness at Harvard, has distilled his research about happiness into a simple equation. Want to know how to be happy? Turns out this is the way.

The Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid are all part of one story. That story was common knowledge for the Greeks, but mostly unknown to us moderns. This episode is that story, giving the context necessary for understanding the Iliad, which begins in the middle of things.

Thomas has recently left his position as the Dean of Student Life at Veritas. These are the things he's learned.

A.J. has always struggled with his views of poetry as a genre. He might have finally sorted it out with the help of John Donne.

Kierkegaard faced the absurdity of the universe, the absurdity of faith, and held both in tension. In this episode we explore his book "Fear and Trembling" as it traces the mystifying story of Abraham and Isaac.

Shakespeare's "The Tempest" is a bit of a mystery of a play, especially since nothing really happens.

The Book of Common Prayer is for those of us who don't always know what to say. So . . . all of us. Thomas gives us a little history, then a quick rundown of the book.

This is the second half of A.J.'s series on Machiavelli's "The Prince." It addresses how a prince can establish a reputation. We also chat about pie.

"The Great Divorce," by C.S. Lewis, recounts a bus trip to heaven. We discuss the Problem of Evil in the perspective of the book.

Euclid's "Elements" was the math text for over a thousand years. We all try to do a proof, and we end up with something looking like an Eiffel Tower.

Machiavelli was a statesman that wanted back into the good graces of the Medici. It half worked. This is a discussion of the work that was supposed to do the job of charming the prince. It's entitled, shockingly, "The Prince."

Jane Austen is a delight, and her novel Pride and Prejudice is no exception. In this episode, we review the book and talk about what it takes to change as drastically as Elizabeth and Darcy.

While "The Gates of Paradise" mark one of the first uses of perspective in sculpture, Rodin's "Gates of Hell," made much later in response, chronicle the existential despair of human suffering, so that's great!

"A Mathematician's Lament," by Paul Lockhart, mourns the way we teach math to children. In many ways, he's right. A.J. will probably still find something to complain about, though.

We all get depressed sometimes. We take a look at when Satan gets the feels in Milton's Paradise Lost.

Lorenzo Ghiberti sculpted what are perhaps the most famous doors of human history. You can see them in Florence (if you go to a museum), or you can listen to this podcast and see them in your mind's eye. If you want to view them online, we've included a link in the show-notes on our website.

Even smart people need a little direction sometimes (except for Graeme, who is perfect always), and The Intellectual Life by A.G. Sertillanges helps us all in the disciplines of intellectualism.

The rest of Goethe's Faust is flat bananas, and it ends with a devil flirting with Angels. I can't even. (Also, please don't miss my rhyming pun with "Tokyo Drift." I'm convinced puns are extra good if you have to explain them.)

Let's talk about gnosticism. Let's talk about heresy. Let's talk about Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie's book, "Montaillou, Cathars and Catholics in a French village, 1294-1324." Let's talk about starting our own cult.

As the archangel Michael boots Adam and Eve from Paradise, he gives Adam a vision of the future to, you know, make him feel better. Adam then says that he knows what is right now, and that man only has to obey. Was Milton making a statement about the ways in which we should conduct ourselves in regard to curiosity? I mean, probs.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust is a breathtaking German masterpiece of literature written by a rock collector. In this episode, we do the first bit of part one.

"A History of Private Life" is a look at the culture of Rome from the perspective of the commoner. What was it like to be a regular ol' Joe during the time of the Caesars?

The Bible has passages that are seemingly contradictory. In this episode, Graeme leads us through a case study of one of such contradiction and why it might be exactly what it seems.

Christopher Marlowe was a contemporary of Shakespeare's, and he wrote poorly. Specifically, he wrote eponymous play for this episode. Not only that but SPY STUFF?!?

In this episode we discuss C.S. Lewis's Perelandra and learn how to punch evil in the mouth.

Bubble Bubble, Toil and Trouble, Graeme discusses witches' stubble. Tells to Burg and 'splains to Bees, That's all that we do this week. Okay, so we talk about Macbeth and how all of the weird stuff that happens with Nature in this book is an inroads into the real themes of the play.

Magbee worries that A.J. is a little too fascinated with evil, so A.J. leaned into it and investigated how we currently think of evil. We follow the train of thought from Augustine to Aquinas. Turns out everything is pretty great.

Josh Gibbs, a favorite of ours, just put out a new book containing essays on Christmas. We discuss them here. Because Christmas is awesome, and you should awesome too.

In this episodes, we discuss how biography and the artist affect our interpretation, or really, how it shouldn't. We also read W.H. Auden's "The Fall of Rome." It's good I guess.

Alright, don't get cross with me. I did a more modern book. It's interesting, though, and we talk a little about LSD, some about busses, and a bunch about gambling. See? It's fun.

We've reached the final summit of Purgatory, and lemme tell ya. Things get a little weird in this one. We've got eagles, random giants, a parade, and more!

we're nearing the top of the mountain of Dante's Purgatorio with the illustrious Thomas Magbee leading the charge. We talk to some more sinners, walk through some fire, and leave Virgil behind. Plus, fanboy.

First, I get it, I hate the extra s after the apostrophe, but what're you gonna do, the MLA team are a bunch of nut jobs. That said, it doesn't matter anyway. We're all just doomed forever.

Graeme wrote his grad thesis on C.S. Lewis's "Till We Have Faces." Prepare to laugh your way through an episode, because--hoo boy--Graeme's grad paper was a doozy. It's like reading "Modeland" by Tyra Banks, but with less mascara.

Turns out, purgatory is great for fitness. In this episode, Thomas continues to guide us through Dante's Purgatorio, and we learn about Envy, Pride, Sloth, and Wrath.

In Camus's excellent (and refreshingly brief) novel, he embraces the absurd. Also, murder! Days at the sea! A.J. wonders if he's broken at his core!

In this episode we finish discussing man's tendency to let our mimetic rivalry escalate into scandal, leading to an eventual sacrificial scapegoat. Honestly, it all seems kinda fun to me.

In the middle of Dostoyevsky's excellent book, the main character discusses an article he's written on "The Great Man," so we decide to do the same thing (while adding a little background and summary at the same time).

Magbee, a counselor in his own right, discusses Andrew Purves's book. How should one view counseling and brain chemistry, pastoring and sin? It's a toughy, and that's coming from somebody with SAD. Seriously. I have a thing called "S.A.D." that makes me sad.

Whenever Graeme likes to say something intelligent, one thing that I apparently love to do is fasten on one small element of his argument and dig my heels in. This week, it's about birds that love each other. The rest of the podcast is a cool thing about psychological readings of scripture.

Don Quixote is a fun book about an old guy who hates windmills. Or maybe it's an epoch defining work of genius. Or maybe it's a book about the dangers of romance.

The second part of The Poetic Edda concerns the exploits of one family of Norse Heroes. Intrigue? Check. Regicide? Check. A pair of shape-shifting brothers, one of whom is an otter that loves munching fish? Double check.

Philosophers always say that the best life is the life of a philosopher, the life of contemplation. I have always disagreed. Listen to Graeme change my mind (this is A.J., by the way).

In this episode, we discuss a psychological reading of Beowulf, and why it fails to approach the text honestly. Weirdly, we all agree. The whole crew. It's strange.

The Poetic Edda are the primary source for most of our information on Norse Mythology. They also happen to be the most heavy-metal myths you've ever heard. Half-corpse god of Hell named "Hel"? Yes, please.

Antonio Gramsci was a Marxist, and we see some of his theories finding purchase today. Don't worry, we don't really get political, but we do discuss the ideas themselves.

In book X of Plato's Republic, he rails on imitative poetry some more, argues for the immortality of the soul, and tells a creepy story about a guy named "Er."

In the old'n days, an artist was like a parasite, but a friendly one. You know, like those birds who clean the teeth of alligators. In this episode we discuss the relationship between patron and artist.

We're almost there, guys, and this is the penultimate chapter of Plato's republic. This one is all about tyranny. A tyranny named Tyrone.

As a follow up to book IX of the republic, Graeme leads us on a thought journey to the medieval land of government. So strap on your cassock and let's get weird.

We've done Dante's Inferno before, so Thomas introduces us to his Purgatorio in this episode. Doesn't "Purgatorio" sound like the Italian version of famous horror movie "The Purge"? It isn't, though.

In book eight of Plato's Republic, Socrates discusses the degradation of an Aristocracy into more mediocre forms of government. Spoiler, democracy is not near the top.

There's a big ol' white horse made of rocks in the UK, and Chesterton wrote some poem about it or whatever. It's okay I guess. Maybe worth a quick jaw wag.

Thomas leads us further up the mountain as we discuss "Climbing Parnassus" by Tracy Lee Simmons. Greek and Latin, he argues, are the organizing principle for classical education. Also, it impresses people when you can tell them what all those words on the dollar bill mean.

Plato finally gets us to the allegory of the cave. We find out that we're just dudes, dudes in a cave, dudes staring at a wall.

Did you know that humans used to be eight limbed creatures that rolled around like silly marshmallows? Yeah, neither did we.

In this actually good episode, Graeme talks about readings of poetry. How do you balance a traditional reading with your own experience? With scales, friend. Scales.

Because of an unexpected illness, A.J. is back on the Plato train till he can get some Mongolian epic ready.

Graeme summarizes the book that is once removed from Lewis's "Abolition of Man": "After Virtue." And I give an awkward intro, as always. Sheesh.

Thomas guides us through "Climbing Parnassus," a defense of classical education and . . . uh . . . THE ELITE?

A house, a play, a baby: three reasons why this advent season we're taking a little bit of a break. We'll be back in January with season 2 of Classical Stuff.

This is the final episode in the Templar trilogy, and we finally find out what happened to those rascally Templar. Basically, they became the illuminati and Kanye joined. Wait. Just kidding. No he didn't. Ignore that. Shoot. I'm going to answer to Kanye for this. Dang it! I've gotta keep my trap shut.

Plato just keeps getting weirder. This chapter seems to be an aside addressing something he glossed over earlier: having women and children in common. That, and he's probably the first true feminist. Oh wait. No he isn't.

The recent passing of Harold necessitates a bit of a memorial from the Classical Stuff boys. In this episode we discuss Harold's legacy, anxiety, and reading.

This is the fourth installment of our series on Plato's Republic. In this one we finally get to the meaning of justice. We also feel bad for some of the warriors. They're getting a pretty raw deal.

In this episode, Thomas reads from "A Guide for the Perplexed." We discuss how seemingly contradictory viewpoints are sometimes not so contradictory.

We continue our long journey toward Jerusalem with the Templar. In this episode: Assassins who would vote in favor of the "legalize it" legislation, leper kings, a bunch of bros who go to Jerusalem to get gold, and REALLY INTENSE HANDSHAKES.

The Knights Templar weren't always the folks running our governments and engineering the weather. Once upon a time, they were holy mercenaries.

St. Francis lived a colorful life, one full of passion, boldly stated vows, and animal congregations.

This is the continuation of the series on Plato's Republic. Book III is where Plato goes a little off the rails. Got a terminal disease? Might as well kick the bucket.

The commonplace book is a compendium of knowledge gleaned from years of reading, but it has to start somewhere.

In this episode we discuss Josh Gibbs's excellent book, "Something They Will Not Forget." Check it. It's pretty solid.