The Lesser-Known Philosophy of the Iron Age Greeks

31 snips

Nov 13, 2023

Adam Nicolson, an author known for his works on early Greek thought, delves into the rich tapestry of Iron Age Greece. He uncovers how these early thinkers shaped concepts of identity and existence, emphasizing a 'harbor mindset' that embraced change. Nicolson highlights the transformative insights of less-renowned pre-Socratic philosophers and connects their ideas to Homeric narratives. He argues that figures like Pythagoras paved the way for classical thinkers, illuminating the journey from raw existence to self-awareness.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Pre-Socratic Philosophy

Adam Nicolson's book "How to Be" explores pre-Socratic Greek philosophy.
This era, the Iron Age, offers insights into the nature of existence and the good life.

INSIGHT

Developing Agency

The Iron Age Greeks developed a sense of agency.
They began to believe they could influence their lives, not just be controlled by fate.

ANECDOTE

Odysseus's Agency

In the Iliad, gods often influence human decisions, even physically intervening.
The Odyssey shows a shift, with Odysseus making his own choices, exemplified by his sausage-on-a-grill analogy.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The Odyssey

Homer

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

The Iliad

Homer

The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector[1][3][5].

Why Homer Matters

null

Homer

How to be here

Rob Bell

In 'How to Be Here', Rob Bell provides concrete steps to pursue and realize one's dreams. The book interweaves engaging stories, lessons from biblical figures, insights from science, art, and business, as well as practical advice from Bell's personal experiences. It aims to help readers silence their critics, take action on their ideas, find joy in their work, persevere through challenges, and surrender to the outcome. The book inspires readers to seek the lives they were created to lead and live fully in the present moment.

The Lesser-Known Philosophy of the Iron Age Greeks

Pre-Socratic Philosophy

Developing Agency

Odysseus's Agency

Resources Related to the Podcast