Claudia Hauer on War, Education, and Strategic Humanism

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 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.

In this influential book, Hayek argues that the abandonment of individualism and classical liberalism leads to a loss of freedom, the creation of an oppressive society, and ultimately, the tyranny of a dictator. He challenges the view that fascism and Nazism are capitalist reactions against socialism, instead positing that these ideologies share common roots in central economic planning and the empowerment of the state over the individual. The book emphasizes the dangers of collectivism and the importance of maintaining a free market system to preserve human freedom and dignity.

In 'Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging', Sebastian Junger delves into the human desire for community and belonging. Drawing from history, psychology, and anthropology, Junger examines why many individuals, including combat veterans, often feel a stronger sense of belonging in tribal or wartime environments than in modern society. He argues that the lack of community in affluent societies can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, while disasters and wars can paradoxically bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The book challenges the notion that modern society is superior to tribal societies, highlighting the benefits of egalitarianism and community found in the latter. Junger also discusses how the absence of these communal bonds can affect veterans returning from war and suggests that societal changes could help reintegrate them and improve overall societal well-being.

In 'Errata: An Examined Life', George Steiner reflects on his life and career, weaving together personal anecdotes with profound intellectual insights. The book explores themes such as the Western tradition, Judaism, music, and the role of literature in society. Steiner's narrative is both a personal memoir and an intellectual autobiography, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of life and ideas.

In this book, Dr. Jonathan Shay examines the psychological devastation of war by drawing parallels between the experiences of Achilles in Homer's Iliad and those of Vietnam veterans. Shay, a psychiatrist who has worked extensively with Vietnam War veterans, argues that the psychological wounds of warriors transcend time and culture. He explores themes such as the betrayal of moral values during warfare, the intense grief and anger resulting from the loss of comrades, the descent into a 'berserk' state, and the challenges of homecoming. The book highlights the importance of understanding and healing the psychological trauma incurred by soldiers and emphasizes the need for communal support in their recovery.

Strategic Humanism: Lessons on Leadership from the Ancient Greeks delves into the works of Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, and Aristotle to provide insights on leadership, war, and their connections to individuals, nations, culture, and technology. The book examines the evolution of ancient Greek democracy and its relevance to modern challenges in technology and democracy.