He Studied the Great Books and Built a $2 Billion Startup | Francis Pedraza

Idylls of the King, by Alfred Lord Tennyson, is a cycle of twelve narrative poems that retells the legend of King Arthur, his knights, his love for Guinevere and her tragic betrayal, and the ultimate downfall of his kingdom. Published between 1859 and 1885, the Idylls use Arthurian legend to explore themes of morality, spirituality, and the decline of ideals in the face of human weakness. Tennyson's work reflects Victorian values and concerns, offering a complex and often melancholic vision of the Arthurian world.

Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae" is a 12th-century work of pseudohistory that profoundly shaped the narrative of King Arthur and early British history. The book presents a romanticized and largely fictional account of British kings, tracing their lineage back to Troy. Geoffrey's work introduced many key elements of the Arthurian legend, including Arthur's parentage, his magical sword Excalibur, and his battles against Saxon invaders. While not historically accurate, the "Historia Regum Britanniae" had a significant impact on subsequent literary and artistic representations of Arthur and his court. Its influence on the development of Arthurian literature is undeniable.

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.

Plato's Republic is one of his most famous works, a philosophical dialogue exploring justice, ideal societies, and the nature of reality. It features the allegory of the cave, a powerful metaphor for the limitations of human perception and the pursuit of knowledge. The dialogue delves into various forms of government, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately advocating for a philosopher-king to rule the ideal state. The Republic also examines the tripartite soul, proposing that reason, spirit, and appetite must be harmonized for individual and societal well-being. Its enduring influence on political philosophy and ethics makes it a cornerstone of Western thought.

The Mabinogion is a collection of Welsh prose tales, considered a cornerstone of Welsh literature. These stories blend mythology, folklore, and romance, offering insights into the beliefs and values of medieval Wales. The tales feature a rich cast of characters, including gods, goddesses, kings, and queens, and explore themes of love, war, magic, and fate. The Mabinogion's influence extends beyond Welsh culture, inspiring artists, writers, and scholars for centuries. Its enduring appeal lies in its captivating narratives and its exploration of timeless human experiences.

Ecclesiastes is a philosophical and theological reflection on human existence and the meaning of life. It is presented through the voice of Qohelet (the Preacher), who questions the doctrine of retributive justice and observes that human endeavors are often futile and temporary. The book emphasizes the inevitability of death, the limitations of human wisdom, and the dangers of materialism and hedonism. It concludes by advising readers to fear God and keep His commandments as the foundation of true happiness and purpose.

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity.

T. H. White's "The Once and Future King" is a retelling of the Arthurian legends. The novel is known for its witty prose, insightful characterizations, and exploration of themes of power, morality, and the human condition. It's a coming-of-age story that follows Arthur's journey from boyhood to kingship. White's work blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The book has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged gentleman who, influenced by his extensive reading of chivalric romances, decides to become a knight-errant. He renames himself Don Quixote and, with his squire Sancho Panza, embarks on a series of adventures. These adventures often involve Don Quixote's misinterpretation of reality, such as mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles. The novel explores themes of reality vs. imagination, the decline of chivalry, and the human condition. Eventually, Don Quixote returns home, regains his sanity, and renounces his chivalric ambitions before his death.