Eric Cohen, CEO of Tikvah Fund, joins Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin to explore the profound impact of Jewish thought on Western civilization. They delve into influential texts such as Plato’s 'Apology' and Dostoevsky’s 'The Brothers Karamazov,' examining themes of truth, individuality, and the quest for love. Cohen highlights the transformative fusion of Greco-Roman and Jewish ideals and advocates for a renewed appreciation of Jewish contributions amidst contemporary challenges. This conversation sets the stage for a deeper understanding of cultural narratives and their relevance today.
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Western Civilization: Greek Meets Jewish
Western civilization is Greek disciplines fundamentally transformed by Jewish ideas from the Hebrew Bible.
This fusion creates a unique culture where history and human responsibility have new significance.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Bloom's Impact on a Young Jew
Alan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind revolutionized my understanding of Western civilization.
It sparked a hunger to systematically explore the culture connecting Judaism and secular studies.
insights INSIGHT
Apology Embodies Western Truth Quest
Plato’s Apology symbolizes the Western quest for truth despite danger and opposition.
Socrates’ trial highlights philosophy as a courageous pursuit with enduring relevance.
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Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov is a sprawling novel exploring complex themes of faith, doubt, free will, and morality. The story centers on the Karamazov family, whose members grapple with profound moral dilemmas and existential questions. The novel's exploration of good and evil, faith and atheism, and the nature of human suffering is both profound and unsettling. The Brothers Karamazov is considered one of Dostoevsky's greatest works, showcasing his mastery of character development and psychological insight. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of timeless questions about the human condition and the search for meaning in a complex world.
Shakespeare's Hamlet
Shakespeare's Hamlet
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's Hamlet is a tragedy that explores themes of revenge, morality, and the human condition. The play centers on Prince Hamlet's struggle to avenge his father's murder, grappling with questions of justice, fate, and the nature of reality. Hamlet's internal conflict and his profound reflections on life and death have made him one of literature's most iconic characters. The play's complex language, psychological depth, and enduring relevance have secured its place as a masterpiece of English drama. Hamlet's exploration of human nature and its complexities continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Closing of the American Mind
Allan Bloom
Robinson Crusoe
Daniel Defoe
The novel follows Robinson Crusoe, a young and impulsive Englishman, who ignores his parents' advice and sets out to sea. After a series of misadventures, including being captured by pirates and sold into slavery, he is eventually shipwrecked on a deserted island near the coast of Venezuela. There, he spends 28 years surviving against incredible odds, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers. The story is influenced by real-life castaways such as Alexander Selkirk and blends elements of Puritan spiritual autobiography, travel literature, and adventure stories. It is considered one of the first modern novels in the English language and explores themes of ambition, self-reliance, civilization, and power.
Virgil
Aeneid VIII
Virgil
Keith Maclennan
This book provides a detailed commentary on Book VIII of the Aeneid, highlighting its significance in the mythological foundation of Rome and its political implications for the Augustan regime. It includes discussions on style, meter, and reception, making it suitable for students and scholars alike.
Plato's Apology
Plato
Plato's Apology is a compelling courtroom drama recounting Socrates' defense against charges of impiety and corrupting the youth, showcasing his unwavering commitment to truth and philosophical inquiry.
Eric Cohen, Tikvah’s CEO, joins Rabbi Dr. Mitchell Rocklin to introduce the Pillars podcast: a systematic journey through the unfolding drama of Western civilization. Along the way, they discuss Plato’s Apology, Virgil’s Aeneid, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, and how the Jewish people’s civilizational impact has been a source of blessing to the nations and offers hope for today.
The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind 
