Books of Titans Podcast

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!

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.