Old School with Shilo Brooks

Father Jonah Teller, a Dominican friar at St. Joseph's Church, discusses how George Eliot's 'Middlemarch' transformed his perspective on life. He explores themes of marriage, political change, and the significance of mundane choices. Father Jonah emphasizes Eliot’s belief in the importance of seemingly insignificant lives and how character-driven storytelling illuminates human nature. They delve into the novel's insights on religion, morality, and the value of great literature in shaping virtues, all while addressing modern dilemmas through the lens of Victorian narratives.

Richard Dawkins, a prominent evolutionary biologist and author, shares his love for the humor of P.G. Wodehouse, revealing how his wit provides a delightful escape from serious discourse. They discuss Wodehouse’s sharp satire of the British aristocracy, his whimsical characters like Jeeves, and the unique brilliance of his language. Dawkins also reflects on comedy’s deep roots in tragedy and its role in modern society, critiquing the lack of humor in today’s intellectual landscape while celebrating Wodehouse’s enduring legacy.

Dominic Green is a historian, author, and columnist known for his insights on history and politics. In this discussion, he explores the themes of decline in today's American and British establishments, drawing parallels to Lampedusa's novel, The Leopard. Green delves into the consequences of a failing regime, discussing aristocratic decay and the elitism that breeds contempt for the populace. He also warns that ignoring societal decline could lead to a loss of legitimacy for today's leaders, urging a need for active adaptation to preserve core values and stability.

Ryan Holiday, author and founder of The Daily Stoic, discusses the philosophical depths of Walker Percy’s *The Moviegoer*. He argues it’s a more mature counterpart to *The Catcher in the Rye*, delving into the protagonist's existential malaise amidst postwar comfort. Holiday emphasizes the importance of savoring literature over speed reading and explores themes of modern life's meaning, social media performance, and the search for depth in everyday existence. He also highlights how Stoicism offers a remedy for our chaotic modern lives.

Rob Henderson, bestselling author of *Troubled* and a commentator on social mobility, joins to discuss George Orwell's *Down and Out in Paris and London*. Their discussion reveals how Orwell's experiences with poverty illustrate class divides and misunderstandings between the privileged and the poor. Henderson shares insights from his own life in foster care, contrasting it with elite culture and addressing the subjective nature of poverty. They touch on the challenges of self-sabotage, modern homelessness, and Orwell's sharp humor, making for a fascinating exploration of social class.

Fareed Zakaria, a renowned journalist and political commentator, discusses the impact of 'The Great Gatsby' on American culture and his personal journey as an Indian immigrant. He describes the novel as a lens for understanding America's allure of reinvention and the American dream. They dive deep into themes of wealth, moral ambiguity, and the spiritual hollowness that accompanies success. Zakaria also critiques modern journalism, lamenting the shift towards quick, sensational content over in-depth analysis.

In this conversation, Coleman Hughes, an insightful author and commentator on race and culture, shares how Thomas Sowell's seminal work transformed his understanding of societal issues. Coleman unveils Sowell's idea that group disparities stem from various factors beyond racism. He contrasts constrained and unconstrained views on human nature, emphasizing the importance of real-world incentives over idealistic approaches. Their discussion dives into the complexity of political beliefs, the nature of power, and the pragmatic lessons from Sowell's insights.

Nick Cave, the iconic Australian singer-songwriter and frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, joins the conversation to delve into Carlo Collodi’s *The Adventures of Pinocchio*. He reflects on its dark themes, starkly contrasting it with the Disney adaptation. Cave discusses how the story helped him process personal grief and explores the transformative power of transgression and love. He also shares insights on creativity's messy nature, the emotional depth of male distress, and the richness of Collodi's writing, revealing the enduring relevance of this classic tale.

Dr. Cornel West, a renowned philosopher and activist, dives into the enduring relevance of Plato's Republic. He passionately explores justice and the dangers of tyranny, linking philosophical inquiry to personal meaning. West critiques the state of American universities, urging a return to Socratic inquiry and the pursuit of truth. The conversation celebrates the integration of ancient wisdom with modern struggles, advocating for a philosophic life that transcends material concerns. Together, they reflect on how these timeless ideas can guide us in today's world.

Mike Israetel, an exercise scientist and competitive bodybuilder, shares how Steven Pinker's *The Blank Slate* transformed his views on genetics and coaching. He argues that embracing our biological limits can lead to better training outcomes and humility in athletes' expectations. Israetel emphasizes the importance of a science-based approach to diet, criticizing fad fitness trends and advocating for foundational principles. He discusses how genetics shapes human potential and the need for realistic goals, while also providing practical advice for sustainable training.