188: Four reasons why classical education can't happen

The Histories by Herodotus is a foundational work in Western historical literature. It chronicles the Greco-Persian Wars (499–479 BCE) and provides a comprehensive background on the rise and organization of the Persian Empire. The work is divided into nine books, each named after one of the Muses. Herodotus describes the conflicts between the Greeks and Persians, including key battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, and Mycale. He also delves into the cultural, ethnographical, geographical, and historiographical aspects of the civilizations involved, offering a rich tapestry of historical and mythological narratives. Despite some criticisms for including legendary accounts, much of Herodotus's work has been validated by modern historians and archaeologists.

The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who lives at the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother. After the death of a mysterious sea captain, Billy Bones, Jim finds a map that leads to the treasure of Captain Flint. Along with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim sets sail on the Hispaniola to find the treasure, unaware that many of the crew members are former pirates of Captain Flint's ship, led by the cunning Long John Silver. The novel unfolds as a tale of adventure, mutiny, and the struggle between good and evil, with Jim facing numerous challenges and learning valuable lessons about courage and loyalty.

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

Dorothy Sayers' "Lost Tools of Learning" explores the historical development of education and proposes a model based on the classical trivium. Sayers argues for a more holistic approach to learning, emphasizing the importance of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The book advocates for a method that cultivates critical thinking and effective communication. It challenges modern educational practices and suggests a return to traditional methods. Sayers' work has significantly influenced the classical education movement.

The Wind in the Willows is a classic children's novel written by Kenneth Grahame. The story follows the adventures of several anthropomorphic animals—primarily Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—as they explore the riverbank and nearby Wild Wood. The novel highlights themes of friendship, nature, and the charm of rural life. It includes various adventures such as Toad's obsession with motorcars, a visit to the Wild Wood, and a climactic battle to reclaim Toad Hall from weasels and stoats. The book is known for its evocative descriptions of the countryside and its engaging characters.

The novel follows Tom Sawyer, a rebellious and imaginative boy, as he navigates his childhood in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. Tom's adventures include tricking his friends into painting a fence, running away to an island with his friends Huck Finn and Joe Harper, witnessing a murder in a graveyard, and getting lost in a cave with his love interest Becky Thatcher. The story explores themes of childhood, friendship, and the transition from boyhood to maturity, set against the backdrop of a small town along the Mississippi River.

Homer's Odyssey is a memoir by Gwen Cooper that chronicles her life with a blind cat named Homer. Despite being born without eyes, Homer grows into a spirited and loving companion who faces numerous challenges, including surviving the aftermath of 9/11 and defending his home against an intruder. Through Homer's adventures, Cooper reflects on the profound impact he had on her life, teaching her about courage, love, and living beyond limitations.

This book is a vivid and fresh translation of Marcus Aurelius’s 'Meditations', an essential work on Stoic philosophy. Written by the Roman emperor who remained untainted by wealth and power, it provides guidance on how to live a good life amidst adversity, find happiness and peace in turbulent times, and make ethical choices without self-interest. The book is praised for its relevance today as it was in the second century and is recommended for anyone who has faced adversity or holds positions of authority.

Plutarch's Lives, also known as Parallel Lives, is a collection of 48 biographies of notable men from ancient Greece and Rome. The work is structured in pairs, with one Greek and one Roman figure of similar destiny, such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, or Demosthenes and Cicero. Plutarch's primary concern was not to write strict historical accounts but to explore the moral virtues and failings of his subjects, aiming to provide examples of conduct to imitate or avoid. The biographies are significant not only for their insight into the individuals but also for their historical value, offering a glimpse into the times in which they lived.