Anchored by the Classic Learning Test Escaping Nazi Germany to Become an American Polymath - Blouke Carus
In this episode of the Anchored Podcast by Classic Learning Test, Jeremy Wayne Tate sits down with 98‑year‑old Blouke Carus to share an unforgettable story of childhood under Nazi Germany, escape to the United States, and a life shaped by liberal arts education. Carus reflects on what it was like to grow up under totalitarianism, the moment his family fled, and how coming back to America formed his understanding of freedom, responsibility, and the human person.
Drawing on decades as a leader in publishing and education, Carus explains why studying the great books, history, and philosophy gave him resilience, moral clarity, and a sense of purpose that ideology could never supply. This conversation is ideal for students, parents, teachers, and school leaders seeking an alternative to purely technocratic education and looking to recover a deeply human vision of learning.
Listeners will hear about:
- Life as a child in Nazi Germany and the dangers of propaganda and dehumanization
- His escape back to the United States and the gratitude that shaped his vocation
- How a liberal arts education informed his career, leadership, and family life
- Why reading the great books is essential for forming free and virtuous citizens today
If you care about classical education, the future of American schools, or how to form the next generation against totalitarian thinking, this episode is for you.