Young Heretics

Everyone wants to be happy--so why are so many people miserable? That's the simple question that the early Christian bishops posed to the canonical authors of the Greco-Roman world. It's also the question that kicks off Spencer's new series on the "theological virtues," or the Christian contribution to the classical philosophy of ethics. Using the basic experiences of everyday life, Spencer makes the practical case for--*gasp!*--going beyond Aristotle. Sign up to be in the mailbag: https://rejoiceevermore.substack.com/ Check out my book, How to Save the West: https://a.co/d/9S57cfh

Today on Young Heretics, a minor topic: the origins of the universe. Very casual. New details and images from the James Webb Space Telescope have called into question the standard model of cosmology in Physics, leading Spencer into a series of reflections on the deeper histories of thought and of the universe (not so distinct as you might initially imagine). Plus, a cosmic mailbag question: what would you ask Satan if you met him? Sign up for my newsletter: https://rejoiceevermore.substack.com/ Check out my book, How to Save the West: https://a.co/d/7UomkWB

In the interval between finishing the cardinal virtues and starting on the Christian virtues, Spencer takes some listener questions in a special Office Hours episode of Young Heretics. Topics include: Getting kids interested in the classics, differences between Judaism and Christianity, Body Count Discourse, and naked women doing political protests. Plus: a close read of The 6th Sense. Sign up for my mailing list at rejoiceevermore.substack.com. Check out my book, How to Save the West: https://a.co/d/7RRj8fd Read the new issue of CRB at https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/.  

There's a movement afoot--and its coming from the ground up. All around the internet and the real world, there's a spirit moving people to reconsider the nature and purpose of consciousness in creation. Drew Weatherhead is one of those people--a writer and pocaster red-pilled by COVID and moved to explore some of the themes that have also been of urgent importance to Young Heretics. We discuss his journey and the central role of humanity in the creation of the world. Check out Drew's book, Consciousness Reality & Purpose: https://a.co/d/2a8a7gE Listen to Drew's podcast, Social Disorder: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-disorder-podcast/id1555590611

Explore justice at the macro and personal level while discussing the role of love in creating a just society. Learn about the tragic story of Orestes and the influence of Rousseau on the American founders. Examine the flaws of the humanitarian theory of justice and reflect on justice, healing, and reconciliation in the context of the Civil War. Uncover complexities surrounding property and intellectual property, and the connection between property and self and personhood.

Guest Alex Priou, classicist and co-host of the New Thinkery podcast, discusses his book on Plato's Symposium. They explore the true meaning of love, the limitations of science, and the significance of prose style in philosophy. They also touch upon the purpose of scholarly writing, Nietzsche's style, and the role of technical knowledge in understanding humanity.

We hear the word "justice" and immediately think "punishment." But justice in the truest sense isn't only a set of rules: it's also a virtue. From Plato to Dante by way of Stephen Sondheim, Spencer explains the last of the four cardinal virtues as both a source and a destination of love. Plus: an extended mailbag question about dealing with gender dysphoria. Sign up to be in the mailbag: https://rejoiceevermore.substack.com/ Check out my book, How to Save the West: https://a.co/d/fisa1Kq  

For this week's interview, Spencer is joined by Faith Moore, relation, to discuss her upcoming novel Christmas Karol. The two siblings discuss the power of storytelling to change hearts, how to truly recognize the value of motherhood, and why Charles Dickens's tale of Christmas has become such an enduring classic. Plus: stories about how annoying it was to grow up with Spencer. Pre-order faith's book, Christmas Karol: https://a.co/d/9IDMq9C Find faith on Twitter @FaithKMoore

Aristotle, ancient philosopher and thinker, discusses decision-making tactics from Brexit to practical wisdom. The podcast explores the relation between practical wisdom and the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and the significance of discipline and perseverance. It also delves into Stoicism, the process of reasoning, meditation, and the role of experience in decision making.

How does a wandering mind find its way to the classics? How do you cultivate renewal in a world of ruin? Spencer interviews Shane Sorensen, author of Renaissance Wisdom, about his self-instructed entry into the great conversation, and the pursuit of eternal virtues at the end of an age. Much like Petrarch and the leaders of the Renaissance, we find ourselves today on the cusp of something altogether new. Check out Shane's book, Renaissance Wisdom: https://a.co/d/7mM4AD6 Discover Shane's podcast: https://renaissance-wisdom.com/ Follow him on Instagram: https://instagram.com/renaissancewisdom