Classical Et Cetera How the Founding Fathers' Classical Education Shaped America
Aug 27, 2025
Discover how the rigorous classical education of the Founding Fathers profoundly influenced America's inception. The discussion delves into their early colonial schooling, focusing on Latin, Greek, and essential literature. Learn about the balance between depth and breadth in their studies, and the long-term discipline fostered by classical learning. The hosts also recommend enriching literature, such as _The Hobbit_ and _The Iliad_, emphasizing how these texts shaped the minds that led the nation.
42:51
Classics Were The Core Entrance Exam
- Colonial education focused intensely on Latin, Greek, and great authors as entrance preparation for college.
- Students read originals early so college tested language mastery rather than taught it later.
Focus Enabled Depth
- Founders were able to focus deeply because their curriculum excluded many modern nonacademic tasks.
- Narrowing to literature, history, and core subjects made deep study possible.
Prune Curriculum To Prioritize Core Study
- Remove extraneous topics and prioritize core subjects like history, literature, math, and Latin.
- Let disciplined core study free up time for deep engagement rather than spreading students thin.
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Intro
00:00 • 11min
Colonial Childhood and Grammar Training
10:31 • 7min
Curriculum Focus, Resources, and Classical Influence
17:23 • 19min
Depth vs. Breadth, Discipline, and Reading Recommendations
36:00 • 6min
Outro
42:10 • 25sec
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nature, and the existential questions of good and evil.
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Who were the Founding Fathers — and what is the education that shaped them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , we explore the rigorous classical education that influenced America’s founders and the birth of a nation. From learning Latin and Greek to studying history and literature, the Founders gained the wisdom and discipline to lead with courage and conviction. We discuss what their colonial education looked like, why it mattered, and how modern schools and families can recover the same focus and depth. Join the conversation and discover what classical learning can offer today’s America!
*What We're Reading* from This Episode:
_The Hobbit_—J.R.R. Tolkien (Paul)
_The Human Factor_—Graham Greene (Paul)
_The Father's Tale_—Michael D. O'Brien (Tanya)
_The Iliad_—Homer (Martin)
_The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin)
Martin's article - https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/classical-education-founding-fathers/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=184