The Book Club | PragerU

Why does every utopia eventually turn into a tyranny? In Animal Farm, George Orwell tells the story of a farm revolution that begins with a promise of equality and ends with a new ruling class that looks no different from the one it replaced. Michael Knowles is joined by radio host Rich Zeoli to explore Orwell’s famous allegory of the Russian Revolution, the corrupting nature of power, and how noble ideals can be twisted into propaganda and oppression. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com or download the PragerU app: https://l.prageru.com/45GvWlu Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram X/Twitter Facebook Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can reason alone lead us to truth? In Pensées, Blaise Pascal—the brilliant mathematician and Christian apologist—wrestles with the deepest questions of faith, doubt, and what it means to be human. Once a champion of the Enlightenment, Pascal came to see its limits and devoted the rest of his life to exploring the spiritual truths that reason alone cannot reach. Michael Knowles sits down with author Alexandra Hudson to discuss Pascal’s unfinished work exploring the misery and greatness of man, the tension between faith and reason, and the longing for God at the heart of every soul. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com or download the PragerU app: https://l.prageru.com/45GvWlu Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram X/Twitter Facebook Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Niall Ferguson, a prominent historian and author known for his insights into financial history, dives deep into Tolstoy's 'War and Peace.' He discusses how the chaos of war transforms both nations and the individuals within them. The conversation highlights themes of love, destiny, and morality amid historical upheaval, especially through Pierre's character. Ferguson also critiques the glorification of individual heroes like Napoleon, emphasizing collective human experiences and the unpredictable nature of history shaped by personal choices.

Is the pursuit of a dream worth it, even if it’s torn apart in the end? In The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman determined to break a long streak of bad luck. Venturing far into the open sea, he hooks the catch of a lifetime—but as he battles to bring it home, he watches it slowly devoured by sharks. Michael Knowles is joined by popular Canadian podcaster Viva Frei to explore the deeper meaning behind Hemingway’s classic—its Christian symbolism, themes of suffering and redemption, and how even in defeat, the human spirit can triumph. Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram  X/Twitter Facebook  Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neil Shenvi, a Christian apologist and chemist, joins Michael Knowles to dive into C.S. Lewis's profound work, highlighting the perils of moral relativism. They discuss the erosion of objective truth and its implications for society, exploring universal moral principles while critiquing contemporary ideologies. Shenvi shares personal stories of how Lewis's literature transformed his faith, illustrating the powerful intersection of literature and moral values. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of reconnecting with objective truths in a complex world.

What does it take to survive when civilization falls away? The Call of the Wild is more than a story about a dog thrust into the harsh wilderness during the Gold Rush—it’s an exploration of survival, instinct, and the untamed spirit within us all. Join Michael Knowles and Michael Malice as they delve into Jack London’s timeless tale of transformation, uncovering profound lessons about strength and resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you do whatever you want—even harm yourself—as long as you don’t harm others? In On Liberty, John Stuart Mill warns against threats to personal freedom, especially through the “tyranny of the majority.” Michael Knowles is joined by Joe Fournier, a political science professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, to explore Mill's classic work, the importance of defending free speech and personal choice, and why individualism is essential for true progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you sell your soul to stay young forever? In Oscar Wilde’s famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man’s wish for eternal youth is granted while his portrait ages in his place. As Dorian indulges in a life of hedonism, his portrait reveals the grotesque toll of his moral corruption. Join Michael Knowles and Will Witt as they discuss this beloved novel and explore its insights into the dangers of vanity, immorality, and the ultimate cost of a life without virtue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby Emmons, Editor-in-chief of The Post Millennial and a seasoned New York theater professional, explores the complexities of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. The discussion questions whether the play is a feminist text or a critique of individualism. They delve into the moral implications of deception and self-preservation, the significance of the Tarantella dance as a symbol of desperation, and Ibsen’s lasting impact on psychological drama and political art. A thought-provoking dive into theater and societal roles.

Once required reading for high school students, To Kill a Mockingbird now comes with trigger warnings. The book, which confronts and calls out the evils of racism, is considered by some to be too offensive for our modern-day woke sensibilities. Why? Set in 1930s Alabama, a young girl watches her attorney father defend a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Michael Knowles is joined by Derryck Green to discuss the powerful themes of this timeless American classic and why it should continue to be read (not banned). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices