Books of Titans Podcast

The discussion dives deep into the profound themes of Viktor Frankl's work, exploring how spiritual resilience can bloom even in the darkest circumstances. Erik reflects on his personal growth since first reading it, revealing how his reading habits have evolved. He connects key ideas from Frankl's narrative to Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago, emphasizing the shared insights on the human condition. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of art and choices, illustrating how even the smallest decisions can shape one's destiny.

Dive into a philosophical journey as Socrates questions what knowledge truly is in dialogue with Theaetetus. Discover the complexities of perception as knowledge and the pitfalls of relativism. Explore Socrates' critique of Protagoras and his insight that true knowledge requires correct judgment. The impact of memory on learning takes center stage, likening it to a wax tablet. Ultimately, gain practical insights on how reading enriches mental impressions and retains vital ideas.

Delve into Plato's exploration of language and meaning! Discover the debate between Cratylus, who believes names reflect nature, and Hermogenes, who argues they are socially constructed. Join Socrates as he whimsically guesses the origins of names, revealing insights about concepts like joy and courage. Enjoy thought-provoking discussions on the implications of naming, the flow of words, and how definitions shape our understanding of history. Plus, hear recommendations on translations of this fascinating dialogue!

Were you there?It’s the opening question of this dialogue. Echecrates is asking Phaedo if he was there when Socrates drank the hemlock and died in prison. He was there. This is Phaedo’s account of the final day of Socrates.I wonder what I would do knowing I had a few hours to live. Would I be frantic? Would I conduct a dialogue about the soul as Socrates does here? Would I calmly drink my death sentence that 500 of my peers had bestowed upon me? I doubt it. Socrates was calm. He died as he had lived.There are some incredible parts to this dialogue. With a few hours left to go, we find Socrates “versifying” the Fables of Aesop. He’s setting prose to poetry. He’s not creating anew. He’s improvising on what already exists. It’s an incredible thing to consider. Socrates didn’t leave any writings, but he did apparently leave some poetry.The bulk of this work considers a questions that would be on the forefront of anyone’s mind about to exit this world. What’s next? Socrates argues that we have a soul that will continue into an afterlife. In fact, he argues that that soul pre-existed embodiment and that our learning was simply a recollection of Forms or Ideas encountered in that state. Socrates was being completely rational then in his calm willingness to die. This was simply a continuation of how he had lived his life, a betterment of the eternal part of him. His life as a philosopher was preparation for death.In this episode, I cover the main arguments, talk about three things that stuck out to me, ask 6 questions that I hope to get answered in other Plato dialogues, and close out with the One Thing I always hope to remember from Phaedo by Plato.Book Versions Read or Consulted:* Plato Complete Works - edited by John M. Cooper - translated by G.M.A. Grube* Phaedo - translated by David Gallop - Oxford World’s Classics* The Last Days of Socrates - translated by Hugh Tredennick and Harold Tarrant (intro) - Penguin Classics (just read the intro in this one) 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

Socrates is nearing the end. He’s been sentenced to death and the time has come where he will be forced to drink hemlock. Crito, his old friend, comes to persuade him to escape this death. He tries to convince Socrates that in this grave injustice, the just thing would be to escape.But Socrates says “we must examine whether we should act in this way or not, as not only now but at all times.” Would it be right for Socrates to escape?This short dialogue allows us see if Socrates will remain true to what he has preached throughout his life.Show Notes:Book Versions:* Plato Complete Works - edited by John M. Cooper - translated by G.M.A. Grube* The Last Days of Socrates - translated by Hugh Tredennick and Harold Tarrant (intro) - Penguin Classics* Defense of Socrates, Euthyphro, and Crito - translated by David Gallop - Oxford World’s Classics 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

In this engaging conversation, author Allen Levi shares insights about his novel, Theo of Golden. A lawyer turned writer, Levi discusses the book's origins, inspired by coffee-shop portraits and his research in Portugal. He explores the themes of kindness, drawing from personal experiences, including a courtroom scene from his time as a judge. Levi also reflects on the influences behind his writing and the importance of little acts of kindness. His contemplations on heaven spark a deep discussion about living meaningfully in the present.

In this engaging conversation, Allen Levi, an author and musician known for exploring faith and the human experience, shares his journey from law to creative writing. He discusses the emotional complexities of character loss and how personal anecdotes fuel his storytelling. Allen unveils the inspiration behind 'Theo of Golden', touching on themes of transformation and authenticity. He reflects on deep friendships and community support during tough times, emphasizing the powerful connections stories create. Expect heartfelt insights and a blend of art and life!

The podcast dives into Socrates' audacious defense during his trial, where he faces charges that challenge his beliefs and integrity. Listeners explore the stark contrasts between Socrates' defiant stance and the societal expectations of his time. The discussion touches on the influence of Aristophanes' satire and how it shaped public perception of Socrates. Additionally, insights into different translations of Plato's 'Apology' reveal deeper layers of meaning in his philosophy. The episode encourages contemplation on truth-telling in civilization.

Dive into a captivating exploration of Plato's 'Euthyphro' as Socrates interrogates the essence of piety. The discussion highlights the nuances of different translations, making each reading a unique journey. With Euthyphro struggling to provide clear answers, the stakes rise as Socrates faces charges of impiety. The dialogue reveals the complexities of Greek philosophy, showcasing how repeated readings can lead to deeper understanding. What emerges is not just a quest for definition, but a philosophical dance between wisdom and ignorance.

Struggling to remember what you read? Discover practical frameworks that transform your reading experience. Learn to summarize books using a simple sentence structure that encapsulates the protagonist's journey. Explore the importance of stakes in storytelling, illustrated by classics like 'The Great Gatsby'. These techniques promise to boost your memory and comprehension, making reading more rewarding. Plus, get insights on how to apply these methods to both fiction and nonfiction, enhancing your literary retention!