The Ralston College Podcast What does it take to spark a new Renaissance?
16 snips
Apr 15, 2025 
Guest
Mari Otsu
Guest
Christian Sottile
Guest
Samuel Andreyev
Guest
Jonathan Pageau
Guest
Gregg Hurwitz
Guest
Joseph Conlon
Guest
James Hankins
Guest
David Butterfield
Guest
James Orr
Join James Orr, a philosopher from Cambridge, alongside David Butterfield, a Latin professor, and Harvard's Renaissance historian James Hankins. They delve into what ignites a cultural Renaissance, examining the significance of literature, music, and architecture. Joseph Conlon advocates for the power of language learning, while Gregg Hurwitz emphasizes literature's broader resonance beyond academia. The conversation weaves in thoughts from various thinkers on how communal experiences and beauty in our surroundings can foster renewal and inspire future generations.
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Foundations of Cultural Renewal
- Renewal of culture requires getting fundamental ideas right and recognizing the non-instrumental as most valuable.
- Understanding human nature clearly is essential to build a culture fit for free, self-aware beings.
Crisis as Opportunity for Creation
- Crisis is a moment of judgment offering a chance for creation and renewal.
- Renewal requires coordinated efforts across old and new institutions, blending reform, new foundations, and diffuse networks.
The True College as Community
- A college is a community united on a shared, higher mission beyond merely studying.
- Historical collegiate communities combined spiritual, scholarly, and communal life to sustain culture.