Old School with Shilo Brooks

Colin Quinn, veteran New York comic and author known for sharp stand-up and one-man shows, chats about A Confederacy of Dunces and why it still makes him howl. He links Ignatius to modern online outrage and incel culture. He unpacks the novel’s odd love story between opposites, the craft that lifts low comedy into literature, and how reading fuels stand-up material.

Literature professor Joseph Luzzi, an expert in Italian literature and author, shares how Dante's The Divine Comedy helped him cope with the tragic loss of his pregnant wife. He discusses Dante's journey from despair to redemption, breaking down its three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Luzzi highlights the poem as a map for navigating grief and how literature offers solace in tough times. He also stresses Dante's role in shaping modern literature and the importance of making humanities accessible to everyone.

Elliot Ackerman, a Marine Corps veteran and bestselling author, dives into the timeless relevance of Joseph Heller's "Catch-22." He discusses how the novel's absurdism mirrors current global conflicts like those in Venezuela and Iran. Ackerman explores the contradictions of war, the role of humor in depicting its harsh truths, and critiques the bureaucracy that obscures human suffering. He also reflects on the hidden costs of war and the importance of varied war literature for those who serve, connecting past and present with poignant insights.

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.