Books of Titans Podcast

The host dives into the monumental task of exploring Plato's complete works over the next 15 years. They reflect on the profound influence of Plato's ideas on contemporary thought and share personal motivations for tackling philosophy despite past fears. This journey aims to document insights and transformations along the way, teasing the question of whether engaging with Plato will create a distinct 'before and after' in their understanding. Listeners are invited to join this philosophical adventure.

A life well-lived. Looking back, what would make you say that about your own life? What would constitute that well-lived life? Would it contain grand gestures seen by many or small, sacred acts seen by few?The Last Sweet Mile is a long letter written by Allen Levi to his family that covers the last year of his brother Gary’s life. They had a special relationship. A relationship we all long for. They were remarkably close. Gary was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 and died an exact year later on July 22, 2012. Allen called that year with his brother the best year of his life.Allen wrote this book before his latest novel, Theo of Golden. I have Theo on my mind, and so I naturally compared the two books despite Theo being a work of fiction and The Last Sweet Mile a work of non-fiction. I see a lot of Gary in the character of Theo. The sacredness of small things. The signposts of beauty. Sadness. Joy. Laughter.When I finished reading Theo of Golden last December, I had a one word response–Stunning. I had that same one-word response after finishing The Last Sweet Mile. It’s heart-wrenching, it’s sad, but it’s beautiful, for it portrays a life well-lived. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

Discover the joy of diving into great literature independently, with tips on setting personal goals and selecting books. Explore the importance of flexibility in your reading journey, adapting to your interests as you go. Balance classics with lighter reads to stay engaged and find hidden gems in secondhand bookstores. Transform your reading experience from a duty into a delightful adventure by participating in reading groups and embracing the wisdom of timeless works.

I book the author events at Landmark Booksellers in Franklin, TN, and earlier this year, I saw that Dr. Mendelsohn was coming out with a brand new translation of The Odyssey for the University of Chicago Press. I reached out to Dr. Mendelsohn to see if he would be near Franklin any time soon, and to my delight, he was able to do an author event.It was fascinating. I learned so much about The Odyssey and about his translation choices. It shed new light on the epic. You can watch the event here and here are some of my main takeaways.The book I cover in this podcast episode is one that Dr. Mendelsohn wrote 8 years earlier in 2017. It’s account of an Odyssey cruise he had taken with his father, Jay Mendelsohn. His father decided to audit his son’s seminar course about The Odyssey and after that course, they took this cruise that stopped at all of the major locations in Homer’s epic.The book is a fascinating look at Homer’s Odyssey, a relationship between a father and a son, and a dive into major themes through out the epic. I learned a ton. I share some of those things in this podcast episode.I really enjoyed this book. It was not just an intellectual endeavor, it was a journey of the heart. The book is beautifully written and the format allowed for deep literary analysis, heartwarming father/son dynamics, and wonderful insight into the intangibles that make a marriage last forever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

The discussion dives deep into Oscar Wilde's profound exploration of youth and morality in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' It highlights Dorian's Faustian bargain, where he trades his soul for eternal beauty, resonating with today's obsession with appearance, social media, and filters. The podcast questions the nature of choice and fate, pondering whether Dorian's decline is influenced by external forces or his own decisions. Themes of shame and psychological torment are examined, drawing rich parallels to biblical narratives.

Discover the fascinating world of Ashurbanipal, the warrior poet king of Assyria, whose library survived destruction thanks to a fire that solidified its clay tablets. Explore the ancient cuneiform writing system and its role in Sumerian and Akkadian cultures, featuring the Epic of Gilgamesh. Delve into Assyrian medical practices and the unique blend of exorcism and entrail divination that informed their healing methods. Reflect on the relevance of ancient wisdom in today's digital age and the enduring power of literature.

Explore the highlights of a year-long reading project as the host reflects on 19 impactful books. Themes emerge from classics like the King James Bible and Confucius's teachings. Greek literature takes center stage, offering insights into honor and infamy through timeless tragedies and comedies. Delve into the art of creating memorable music, inspired by The Beatles. There's also a buzz about an upcoming literary event, blending knowledge and community in a unique way.

Dive into the intriguing blend of history and fiction with a focus on Cyrus the Great. Discover Xenophon's exploration of leadership, wisdom, and moral philosophy. Lively discussions highlight the humorous struggles of love intertwined with classic themes, questioning the accuracy of the narrative. Reflect on the timeless allure of ancient literature and its impact on modern thought. Prepare for a journey through secret knowledge and brilliant strategies that shaped empires!

Dive into the thrilling journey of Greek mercenaries as they follow Cyrus the Younger into battle, only to face a dramatic retreat. Witness the bizarre customs of the Mosioneski people and the wild effects of consuming mad honey. Experience the physical and emotional struggles, from frostbite to snow blindness, culminating in a triumphant reunion with the sea. Explore themes of leadership through Xenophon's philosophical insights and the camaraderie that keeps the soldiers moving forward, despite the odds.

Delve into the transformative power of rereading classic literature and its impact on personal growth. Discover how revisiting beloved books can unlock new insights and deepen your understanding. With anecdotes about favorites like 'The Old Man in the Sea,' listeners are encouraged to find a balance between embracing nostalgia and seeking new narratives. Experience how life changes shape our perceptions of past reads, making each revisit a unique journey rather than a mere replay.