This book was suggested by a friend of mine named William Leachman. He’s a bonafide teacher, as in he has students and teaches them in a building that says school on the outside of it. He told me I should read this book and he told me that I’m a teacher.I bristled at that. I’m not a professional. I don’t teach eager students at the local high school. But after reading this book, I hesitantly acknowledge that I am indeed a teacher. I’m a teacher to my children, to those I work with, and perhaps to those I reach with this podcast. This book convinced me that I do indeed teach.But this book goes much deeper. It talks of the close connection between learning and teaching. How we all have an innate desire to share the beauty we encounter, be it physical or intellectual beauty. How the best teachers are those most desirous of learning.This is a book about the methods of teaching, not about which subjects to teach. It covers three main modes of teaching, famous teachers (and their students), and the role of parents in teaching their children.In this episode, I share some ideas I came across and how I’ve seen them play out in my own life through great teachers and even greater teaching styles. Get full access to Books of Titans at www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

“And after this, not many days later…”Xenophon begins his history with these words. The “after this…” refers to the writings of Thucydides, which abruptly end in the midst of the Peloponnesian War in 411BC. Xenophon takes up the mantle and takes us first to the end of the Peloponnesian War in 404BC and then on to 362BC.Xenophon’s work takes us through the decline of the Athenian empire into the rise of the Spartans, Boeotians, and then Thebans. Throughout the work, the Persians are making their presence known as well.It’s a fascinating history, one that sets the stage for the eventual Macedonian takeover. I kept thinking about the literature and philosophy being composed during these years. Some of the world’s greatest works were created during this period of history.In this episode, I share the main things that stuck out about topics such as government, justice, and tradition. Get full access to Books of Titans at www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

Theo of Golden is a man “fully invested in the art of living.” He’s a character you want to emulate. A good man whose kindness is made up of “little, nameless, unremembered acts.” As the reader, we get to see how these small, daily acts weave throughout a small, fictional, Georgia town.This book was gifted to me by a publisher well acquainted with the written word. It’s her job to quickly work through books and see if they have merit. She read this book and then promptly read it four additional times. She was stunned.I now see why she wanted to do that. I plan to read it again later this month.I loved this book. It reminded me of Sir Gibbie by George MacDonald and Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry. In this episode, I share a few of my favorite things about this incredible book. I hope you read the book one or maybe five times! Get full access to Books of Titans at www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

Dive into the complexities of Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War, where battles are more about strategy than spectacle. Discover how naval engagements and proxy conflicts shaped this historical narrative. Explore the dramatic speeches that bring tension and engage readers with the unfolding events. The stark contrasts between Athenian democracy and Spartan oligarchy are dissected, revealing insights into governance and the human experience in wartime. Themes of panic and decision-making emerge, making ancient lessons resonate with modern audiences.

Andromache's heart-wrenching journey unfolds after the Trojan War, marked by profound grief and an unwanted marriage to Neoptolemus. Themes of love, vengeance, and jealousy create a complex backdrop for her tragic fate. Divine intervention plays a pivotal role as Andromache's suffering contrasts sharply with Hermione's struggles. The interplay between Euripides' work and the Iliad deepens the tragedy, showcasing women's suffering and the moral dilemmas stemming from loyalty and justice in a world torn by war.

Dive into the tragic tale of Heracles and his descent into madness induced by the gods. This narrative unfolds during the Peloponnesian War, exploring themes of guilt, betrayal, and the power of friendship. The horrific moment when Heracles accidentally harms his family highlights the emotional turmoil he faces. Theseus steps in as a beacon of support, showcasing the profound bonds that help navigate grief. Coupled with a historical lens, this tragedy offers a reflection on the madness of war and its psychological toll on soldiers.

Euripides wrote this tragedy in 430BC, a fateful year that saw the beginnings of the Peloponnesian War. It’s interesting to read this play in light of the historical atmosphere. Athens was entering a war with Sparta. The Spartans traced their descent from Heracles, and in this tragedy, the children of Heracles are near Athens (in Marathon) seeking refuge. Will Athens hold to her ideals and protect the suppliants? Will force beat deliberation? Will the innocent suffer?This is a wonderful tragedy play, with elements of humor, despair, and deep insight. In this episode, I walk through the play, cover important scenes, quotes, and themes.Related podcast episodes: Get full access to Books of Titans at www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

You, Aphrodite, lead captive the stubborn hearts of gods and of mortals.Aphrodite conquers all. Or nearly all. Zeus is under her spell and only a few, Athena and Artemis among them, have resisted her.Love is so powerful a force that it can even cause a step-mother to lust after her step-son. That at least is the premise for this tragedy and so the battle of Aphrodite (love, desire) is fought against Artemis (chastity) through Phaedra’s forbidden love for Hippolytus.Humans are quick to judge and often seek revenge before knowing the full story. This requires pardon and Hippolytus must decide whether to grant it to both his step-mother Phaedra and his father Theseus.This tragedy play won the award in Athens in 428BC, amidst the Peloponnesian War. It’s a stunning play and I try to capture its beauty and power in this episode. Get full access to Books of Titans at www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

In Book 2 of The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, the Athenian general Pericles gives two extraordinary speeches. One is a eulogy and the other a response to an angry and devastated populace in the midst of war and pestilence.These speeches create a beautiful blend of history and exploration. Thucydides presents the historical facts of war—the size of armies, the results of certain battles, and naval vs land strategies. But it’s the speeches that allow him to explore the mindset, beliefs, governance, values, and national habits that play a role in those battles.Gone are the gods of Homer. Can democracy, courage, experience, and dialogue take the place of the gods? How do the strategies, preparations, provisions and levels of courage differ between the people of the Peloponnese and the Athenians? We learn about these things in these speeches. We learn about the leader’s ideas and the feelings of the populace. It’s a fascinating way to present history.In this podcast episode, I cover two speeches by Pericles and then compare a set of speeches by the Peloponnesian commanders and Athenian leaders. All speeches covered occur in book 2 of 8 in Thucydides great masterpiece. Get full access to Books of Titans at www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

I just finished leading a 9-week, in-person reading group covering the Iliad. It was such a good experience. I’ve also participated in a number of groups over the years and wanted to use this podcast episode to share what I’ve learned and to hopefully encourage you to start your own reading group.Myths:* You don’t need to have all of the answers.* You don’t need to have an advanced degree.How to Prepare:* As you read the book you will cover, use different color pens/highlighters each time you read it. This will help you identify observations you had and will be helpful when you are leading the group.* Find podcast episodes that cover the book.* Find book guides that contain questions for the book.Facilitating the Reading Group:* Set expectations - expected time commitment, number of meetings, etc.* Limit the group to between 5 - 15 people.* Require an assignment:* A paragraph or an essay due a day before the meeting.* Use a shared Google folder so everyone can read the work of each other.* This has the added benefit of encouraging completion of the reading a day before the meeting. It also prepares the attendees to have a thought-out idea to address during the meeting.* Translation - attempt to use the same translation if it’s a work in another language. This will help everyone easily be able to locate the passage under discussion.Rules:* Use the first meeting to get to know each other. Don’t cover the book at all.* Discourage the reading of the book’s introduction. Just have them start right in with the book.* No outside influences - attempt to just discuss the book, not other books.Your Role as Facilitator:* You are not the teacher. The book is the teacher.* Ask questions that facilitate the discussion.* Keep the discussion on track.* Don’t give away spoilers to those who haven’t read the story. Keep the magic alive.Tools Specific to The Iliad* The History of Literature Podcast: Homer and His Iliad (with Robin Lane Fox)* Ascend the Great Books Podcast (incredible resource with a podcast episode per book of the Iliad)* Iliad Reading Guide (probably the single most helpful resource outside of the actual epic)* Young Heretics Podcast Get full access to Books of Titans at www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe