The Daily Stoic Andrew Sullivan on The Classics, Independence, and the Human Experience
Mar 5, 2022
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Sullivan, a thought-provoking social and political commentator, discusses his latest book and the relevance of classical literature today. He emphasizes how ancient texts shape our shared culture and moral compass. Sullivan navigates the challenges of independent thought in a polarized world, exploring the fine line between skepticism and truth. He also reflects on the significance of diverse philosophical backgrounds and critiques modern tribalism, urging for individuality amidst societal pressures.
01:17:42
Sullivan's Classical Education
- Andrew Sullivan studied Latin through Oxford and could translate English into Latin in various styles at 17.
- He regrets not learning Ancient Greek to read the Gospels in their original language.
Cult of Contemporaneity
- Modern society has a "cult of contemporaneity," always valuing the new.
- Humans have been constructing meaningful lives and communities for 150,000 years.
Value of Shared Intellectual Culture
- Shared intellectual culture from classical texts creates a common language.
- This allows for nuanced communication and a deeper understanding of literary allusions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 4min
Classical Wisdom and Modern Discourse
04:23 • 18min
Navigating Therapy and Timeless Wisdom
22:38 • 4min
Exploring Diversity in Classical Thought
26:49 • 16min
The Struggle of Independent Thought and Seeking Truth
42:59 • 4min
Navigating Independent Thought in a Polarized World
46:48 • 20min
Flags and Identity: The Modern Tribalism
01:07:09 • 8min
Exploring Humanity Through Classic Wisdom
01:14:52 • 5min
Reflections on Literature and Exile
01:20:06 • 2min
Building a Modern Community of Stoicism
01:21:51 • 3min
The swerve
Stephen Greenblatt
In 'The Swerve', Stephen Greenblatt explores the impact of Poggio Bracciolini's discovery of Lucretius' 'De Rerum Natura' in 1417.
This ancient Roman poem, which posits a universe governed by natural laws rather than divine intervention, had a profound influence on the Renaissance and beyond, shaping the thought of figures like Galileo, Darwin, and Einstein.
Greenblatt's book is both a biography of Bracciolini and an intellectual history of how this text helped shape modernity.
Pensées
Blaise Pascal
The 'Pensées' is an unfinished work by Blaise Pascal, intended as a comprehensive defense of the Christian faith.
It consists of fragments and notes that Pascal was compiling before his death in 1662.
The work is characterized by its psychological and philosophical approach, particularly evident in Pascal's Wager, which argues for the rationality of believing in God. Pascal's writing highlights the contradictions and complexities of human nature, emphasizing both the wretchedness and greatness of humanity.
The 'Pensées' also critiques skepticism and underscores the importance of seeking spiritual truth beyond mere reason.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
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.
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life.
The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life.
Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence.
The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.
Invisible Man
Ralph Ellison
In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America.
The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility.
He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group.
The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him.
Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self.
Confessions
Augustine
Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible.
The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism.
He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden.
The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis.
The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.
Letters
Samuel Rutherford
Discourses
Epictetus
The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not.
The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature.
' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility.
They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching.
Four quartets
T. S. Eliot
Four Quartets is a cycle of four poems by T.S.
Eliot, each titled with a place name: 'Burnt Norton,' 'East Coker,' 'The Dry Salvages,' and 'Little Gidding.
' The poems are meditations on time, redemption, and eternity, blending Eliot's Anglo-Catholicism with mystical, philosophical, and poetic elements from various traditions.
Each quartet has five sections and explores themes such as the conflict between individual mortality and the endless span of human existence, the nature of spirituality, and the relationship between the present and the past.
The work is considered Eliot's masterpiece and his clearest exposition of his Christian beliefs.
The Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli
Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers.
Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals.
The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess.
Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points.
The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues.
'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.
Montaigne
Stefan Zweig
This biography by Stefan Zweig delves into the life and philosophy of Michel de Montaigne, a Renaissance French statesman and philosopher.
Zweig, who was living in exile in Brazil during World War II, found solace in Montaigne's writings and drew parallels between Montaigne's turbulent times and his own.
The book discusses Montaigne's unique upbringing, his public life, and his retreat to a tower to write his famous 'Essais'.
Zweig admires Montaigne's commitment to individual freedom and his ability to maintain his moral and spiritual independence in the face of societal chaos.
The biography is as much about Montaigne as it is about Zweig's own reflections on freedom, tolerance, and the human condition during times of turmoil.
Aeneid
Virgil
James Howard Mantinband
Essays
None
Michel de Montaigne
Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form.
The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning.
Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration.
The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death.
Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality.
Virtually normal
An Argument About Homosexuality
Andrew Sullivan
In 'Virtually Normal: An Argument About Homosexuality,' Andrew Sullivan presents a comprehensive and nuanced discussion on the politics of homosexuality.
The book critiques four main perspectives on homosexuality: the 'Prohibitionist,' 'Liberationist,' 'Conservative,' and 'Liberal' views.
Sullivan argues for the recognition of gay rights, including the legal acknowledgment of same-sex marriages, and advocates for a laissez-faire liberal approach that respects individual liberty and freedom.
The book is praised for its lucid and engaging argumentation, and its ability to contribute significantly to the debate on gay rights and societal integration of the gay community.
The Bible
Various Authors
The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism.
It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages.
The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread.
The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.
Summa theologica
Thomas Aquinas
The Summa Theologica is a comprehensive work divided into three parts.
The first part deals with God, the creation of the world, angels, and the nature of man.
The second part is subdivided into two sections: the first part of the second part discusses general principles of morality and law, while the second part of the second part addresses morality in particular, including individual virtues and vices.
The third part, left unfinished by Aquinas, focuses on the person and work of Christ and the sacraments.
The work also includes a posthumous supplement that concludes the third part and discusses Christian eschatology.
Aquinas drew on Aristotelian and Augustinian influences and aimed to integrate faith and reason in his theological arguments.
The Enchiridion
Epictetus
Tony Darnell
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life.
It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations.
Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living.
Parallel Lives
Plutarch
John Dryden
Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' is a collection of 48 biographies of renowned men, divided into 23 pairs of one Greek and one Roman, along with four unpaired biographies.
Written at the beginning of the second century AD, the work aims to explore the influence of character on the lives and destinies of these historical figures.
Plutarch's focus is ethical, intending to illustrate which actions are noble and how character shapes the lives of individuals.
The biographies are structured to facilitate comparisons between the Greek and Roman subjects, highlighting their common moral virtues and failings.
Essay Concerning Human Understanding
John Locke
Published in 1689, 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding' is a comprehensive work that challenges the notion of innate knowledge.
Locke argues that all knowledge is derived from experience and reflection, and he divides experience into two categories: sensation (information from the external world) and reflection (the mind's operations on those sensations).
The essay is structured into four books, addressing topics such as the rejection of innate ideas, the theory of ideas, the role of language, personal identity, and the limits and nature of human knowledge.
Locke's work had a significant influence on modern Western philosophy and continues to be a cornerstone in discussions of epistemology and the philosophy of mind.
The Gospels
Accounts of the Life of Jesus Christ
Luke
Mark
St. Matthew
John
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provide a comprehensive portrait of Jesus Christ.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels due to their similar narrative order and shared content.
John's Gospel is distinct and includes much unparalleled information.
Each Gospel was written for different audiences and emphasizes different aspects of Jesus' mission and teachings.
Out on a limb
Shirley MacLaine
In this memoir, Shirley MacLaine details her experiences with self-discovery and spirituality, sparked by an intense, clandestine love affair with a prominent politician named Gerry.
The book follows her travels from southern California to various locations including New York City, Europe, Hawaii, and the Andes Mountains in Peru.
MacLaine explores themes of reincarnation, meditation, mediumship, and spiritual awakening, which were both acclaimed and criticized upon its release.
The book is a revealing portrait of a woman in crisis who finds a path to self-awareness and peace.
Plays of Euripides
Euripides
This collection includes some of Euripides' most renowned works, such as *Medea*, *Hippolytus*, and *Alcestis*.
These plays are known for their exploration of human emotions, philosophical themes, and the portrayal of strong female characters, which were groundbreaking in ancient Greek theater.
Poems and Essays
Poems and Essays
W.H. Auden
Writings
Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia / Public and Private Papers / Addresses / Letters
Thomas Jefferson
This collection encompasses a wide range of Thomas Jefferson's writings, reflecting his diverse interests in politics, science, philosophy, and literature.
It includes his autobiography, extensive correspondence, reports, messages, and addresses, offering insights into his life and contributions to American history.
The writings span from his early years to his later life, covering significant events such as the American and French Revolutions.
The Conservative Soul
Andrew Sullivan
In *The Conservative Soul*, Andrew Sullivan argues for a return to the core principles of conservatism, emphasizing limited government, balanced budgets, and individual freedom.
He critiques the modern conservative movement for its drift towards fundamentalism and excessive government intervention, advocating instead for a skepticism-based approach that respects individual liberties and promotes a more nuanced political discourse.
Quartet for the End of Time
Quartet for the End of Time
Olivier Messiaen
Comedies
Comedies
Terence
The Complete Works of Sigmund Freud
Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works
Sigmund Freud
The Complete Works of Sigmund Freud, also known as the Standard Edition, is a 24-volume set that includes all his major writings on psychoanalysis, the unconscious mind, dreams, and human behavior.
Edited by James Strachey with the assistance of Anna Freud, it provides a thorough understanding of Freud's theories and their development over time.
The Dialogues
Exploring Fundamental Questions through Socratic Conversations
Plato
This collection of dialogues presents a foundational journey into the world of philosophical inquiry.
Through the probing questions and wisdom of Socrates, Plato delves into complex discussions on virtue, justice, the soul’s immortality, and the nature of reality.
The dialogues, such as 'Euthyphro,' 'Apology,' 'Crito,' 'Meno,' and 'Phaedo,' capture Socrates' method of questioning and the pursuit of truth.
These narratives invite readers into deep contemplation about the ethical dimensions of human life and the pursuit of knowledge, shaping Western thought and encouraging readers to question, reflect, and discover the enduring relevance of philosophical exploration.
Plays by William Shakespeare
Plays by William Shakespeare
A Collection of Works
William Shakespeare
This collection encompasses a wide range of Shakespeare's works, including famous tragedies like 'Othello' and 'Macbeth', comedies such as 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' and 'Twelfth Night', and historical plays like 'Henry IV' and 'Henry V'.
These plays explore themes of love, power, betrayal, and human nature, showcasing Shakespeare's mastery of storytelling and character development.
FDR's writings and speeches
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Tragedies
Seneca the Younger
Paul Jal
François-Régis Chaumartin
F.-R. Chaumartin
Les tragédies de Sénèque, telles que 'Médée', 'Thyeste', et 'Phèdre', sont des œuvres majeures de la littérature latine.
Elles ont influencé le théâtre élisabéthain et jacobéen.
Cette traduction permet de découvrir ces pièces dans une version française.
A Testament of Hope
The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King Jr.
James M. Washington
Martin Luther King Jr
This book includes some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous speeches, such as 'I Have a Dream' and 'Beyond Vietnam,' along with essays and interviews that highlight his role in the civil rights movement.
It provides a broad perspective on his contributions to social justice and nonviolent activism.
Ryan talks to Andrew Sullivan about his new book “Out on a Limb: Selected Writing, 1989-2021,'' the common culture that we find through ancient and classic texts, the fine line between truth and being out of touch with reality, and more.
Andrew Sullivan is one of today’s most provocative social and political commentators. A former editor of The New Republic, he was the founding editor of The Daily Dish, and has been a regular writer for The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Time, Newsweek, New York magazine, The Sunday Times (London), and now The Weekly Dish. Andrew is the author of several books, including “The Conservative Soul,” and '”Virtually Normal: An Argument about Homosexuality.” He lives in Washington, DC, and Provincetown, Massachusetts.
For a limited time, UCAN is offering you 30% off on your first order when you use code STOIC at checkout Just go to UCAN.CO/STOIC
Novo is the #1 Business Banking App - because it’s built from the ground up to be powerfully simple and free business banking that Money Magazine called the Best Business Checking Account of 2021. This year, get your FREE business banking account in just 10 minutes at bank novo.com/STOIC
New Relic combines 16 different monitoring products that you’d normally buy separately, so engineering teams can see across their entire software stack in one place. Get access to the whole New Relic platform and 100GB of data free, forever – no credit card required! Sign up at NewRelic.com/stoic.
Try Surfshark risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/STOIC. Enter promo code STOIC for 83 % off and three extra months free!
As a member of Daily Stoic Life, you get all our current and future courses, 100+ additional Daily Stoic email meditations, 4 live Q&As with bestselling author Ryan Holiday (and guests), and 10% off your next purchase from the Daily Stoic Store. Sign up at https://dailystoic.com/life/
Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail
Check out the Daily Stoic Store for Stoic inspired products, signed books, and more.
Follow us: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook
Follow Andrew Sullivan: Homepage, Twitter
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.