Michael Walsh, an acclaimed author known for exploring themes of war and masculinity, shares gripping insights about battles that shaped Western history. He discusses the motivations behind heroic last stands, emphasizing the deep-rooted masculine drive to fight. Walsh critiques contemporary military strategies, linking them to historical events like 9/11 and the failures of U.S. responses. He also connects legendary figures like Achilles and Alexander the Great, revealing how their legacies impact modern concepts of bravery and identity.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Walsh's Career Path
Michael Walsh, a professional writer, began his career as a police reporter after attending Eastman School of Music.
This early experience shaped his writing, blending his love for music with a fascination for crime and thriller elements.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Walsh's Father's Last Stand
Walsh's father, a Marine Corps veteran, fought in the Korean War's Chosen Reservoir, a last stand.
This personal connection inspired Walsh's book "Last Stands," exploring men's willingness to fight when all seems lost.
insights INSIGHT
Masculinity and Last Stands
Men possess an innate drive to fight for a cause, unlike women.
This biological imperative, coupled with a desire for glory, fuels their participation in last stands.
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A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western History
A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western History
Michael Walsh
Last Stands, Why Men Fight When All Is Lost
Last Stands, Why Men Fight When All Is Lost
Michael Walsh
Defenders of the West
Defenders of the West
Raymond Ibrahim
The Iliad
Homer
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[1][3][5].
The Odyssey
Homer
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.
On war
Carl Von Clausewitz
Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" is a seminal work on military strategy, exploring the complex interplay of military, political, and social factors in warfare. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of war as a dynamic and unpredictable phenomenon. The book delves into various aspects of military strategy, including the role of chance, the importance of morale, and the relationship between war and politics. Its enduring influence is evident in its continued relevance to military studies, international relations, and strategic thinking. It remains a cornerstone of military theory.
In this episode, we welcome Michael Walsh to the show. He is the author of many novels and nonfiction books, including his newest book “A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western History”. In this interview, we discuss what is inside a man that makes him dream of fighting in a last stand, how a real-world last that his father participated in shaped him personally, why war is a necessity and a masculine preserve, the importance of studying Achilles even if he in fact did not exist, the connection between Achilles and Alexander the Great, why men are willing to die for great male leaders, how the United States lost the “Battle of 9/11”, why he thinks George W. Bush did not succeed in the wars in the Middle East, how the United States lost her ability to actually win wars, and much more. Let’s get into it…
Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast by Kyle Thompson 
