

The Cause - Rob Pirie
Robert Pirie
Please join me in embarking on the Harvard Classics Series by Dr. Charles Elliot. This series dates back to around 1910 and is a collection of literature that I believe needs to be revived and rediscovered. I look forward to reading and discussing all 50 volumes with you as we learn about the great ideas of those who came before us. In this series, we will dive into Greek and Roman history, the American Founders, works from Francis Bacon, John Milton, and many more. We will cover Shakespeare and Chaucer and also some fictional works like Don Quixote which are all included in the Harvard Classics. We will also review other books on this podcast that fit the classical education theme. This series is being created for those passionate about classical education and as a supplement to homeschool curriculums. I truly hope these classical works of literature bring you as much joy as they do me. Feel free to reach out with any questions as I would love to hear from you!Rob Pirie
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 4, 2025 • 8min
Why You Should LISTEN To Books and How To RETAIN What you Read
Discover the powerful impact of listening to books alongside reading. Enjoy the benefits of accurate pronunciations and multitasking while diving into narratives. Combining these formats can significantly boost your understanding and retention of the material. Plus, the right audio narrator can make characters unforgettable. Embrace the synergy between reading and listening for a richer literary experience!

Jan 28, 2025 • 27min
Rousseau's Social Contract Theory Explained | How It Still Relates To Us - Book Review
Send us a textI truly hope you enjoy my review of the Social Contract by Rousseau. He is a fantastic writer and very enjoyable to read, especially regarding philosophy. His work, in my opinion, is still in the process of being lived out and proven. This means this work is very current, and he discusses many of the issues we face in the book. Below are a few main points about the Social Contract. General Will:The core concept, where citizens, by collectively deciding what is best for the community, essentially "obey themselves" when following laws based on the general will. Natural Freedom vs. Civil Liberty:People are naturally free, but by entering the social contract, they surrender some individual freedoms in exchange for the benefits of civil society and the protection of laws based on the general will. Direct Democracy:To ensure the general will is accurately reflected, Rousseau advocated for a system where citizens directly participate in decision-making, not through representatives. Sovereignty of the People:The ultimate power lies with the people, not with a monarch or ruling class, and they have the right to revolt if the government deviates from the general will. Equality among Citizens:Rousseau emphasized the importance of equality among citizens within the social contract, where everyone should have an equal say in shaping the laws. I hope you enjoy the video1. A Defense Of Classical Education: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/mp/a-defence-of-classical-education/2. Weapons Of Mass Instruction: https://amzn.to/3RojPS13. The Republic: https://amzn.to/45kkp9o4. The Social Contract: https://amzn.to/4cl1Ns95. The Abolition Of Man: https://amzn.to/3VD5X926. Discourse On Voluntary Servitude: https://amzn.to/3x3AFPv7. The Road to Serfdom: https://amzn.to/3Xq8hSp8. The Political Theory Of The American Founding: https://amzn.to/4chLD2xIf you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below. • COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. Support the show

Jan 14, 2025 • 6min
What You Read MATTERS - Why Reading The Right Books will Change Your Life Forever!
Send us a textWhat you choose to read matters more than you may think. In this episode, I discuss the importance of choosing books wisely to bring joy and knowledge through the love of reading. Reading books can impact your life more than you think and reading the right books can help you live a good life. I hope you enjoy the video!• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. The Best Writing Journals: • https://amzn.to/4hrj5XESubstack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSupport the show

Jan 7, 2025 • 6min
We Live In The Best Of Times! My Cherished Advice From An Old Man
Send us a textAn old man told me that his kids have never known hunger. And that has stuck with me ever since he uttered the words. I miss you, Mr. Neal!• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. The Best Writing Journals: • https://amzn.to/4hrj5XESubstack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSupport the show

Dec 31, 2024 • 7min
The HARDEST BOOK I Ever Read and ... How ANYONE Can Read It
Send us a textToday we discuss the hardest book I have read, what I learned, and how anyone can read hard books. Some books are more challenging than others but that should not stop us from reading them. Paradise Lost is a book that challenges you as a reader on many levels. The poem is written in blank verse in iambic pentameter. The poem makes music when read correctly which allows the poem to have a charm and enchantment I have never experienced in any other book. Not to mention the devil shows up in many of the details such as the numerology and symbology. I hope you enjoy the video! • COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. The Best Writing Journals: • https://amzn.to/4hrj5XESubstack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSupport the show

Dec 24, 2024 • 7min
Write More and Scroll Less - How I Journal And Use A Commonplace Book
Send us a textOften I find myself mindlessly scrolling on a phone when I could be writing or creating something of my own. I get caught up in the entertainment of others instead of using my abilities for something constructive and good. I have journaled for a good while but never achieved the consistency I think is needed to be effective. This episode discusses how I plan to fix that and write more in 2025. I hope you enjoy the show!• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. The Best Writing Journals: • https://amzn.to/4hrj5XESubstack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSupport the show

Dec 10, 2024 • 5min
Why You Should Take Control Of Your Education
Send us a textIn this video, we discuss taking ownership of your education. The quality of your life and the longevity of your freedoms depend on it. I truly hope you enjoy this Coffee Break Tuesday! Pick up a set of books and get to work self-educating over the holidays! If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below. • COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. The Best Writing Journals: • https://amzn.to/4hrj5XESubstack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSupport the show

Nov 19, 2024 • 5min
Allow The Book To Change You - Read To Discover Not Validate
Send us a textDo you read to discover or read to validate? This is a question I have to ask myself. If you can't open your mind to a book, then what is the purpose of reading? True knowledge can only be found when we open our minds to the idea that our ideas or perspectives on the world may be flawed. In this video, I discuss why you should allow the book to change you and see things differently. I hope you enjoy it! If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below. • COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. The Best Writing Journals: • https://amzn.to/4hrj5XESubstack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSupport the show

Nov 12, 2024 • 30min
"Some Blood More Precious Must Be Paid For Man" - Paradise Lost (Books 11 & 12) CONCLUSION
Send us a textParadise Lost by John Milton is an epic poem that tells the story of the rise of Satan out of the depths of hell and his campaign to conquer the will of man on Earth. This episode covers books 11 and 12 of Paradise Lost. Join us as we witness the healing between Adam and Eve as they repent and pray for forgiveness. The Son of God hears their prayers and the angel Michael is sent down to deliver their punishment and justice. The two are humbled and kicked out of Eden but not before seeing what the earth, God created, will become because of their actions. Paradise Lost by John Milton is truly an epic poem. I hope you enjoy my explanation of Paradise Lost books 11 and 12.Paradise Lost Summary of Books 11 and 12Substack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSome Resources Covered In Video: • Paradise Lost: On Audible: https://amzn.to/3xMiTQH• John Milton - Complete Works - https://amzn.to/3TsFiuM• Harvard Classics Complete Kindle Set - https://amzn.to/3OStaAmIf you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below. • COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. Support the show

Oct 29, 2024 • 8min
Harvard Classics VS The Great Books Of The Western World | How Much I Paid For Each?
Send us a textThe Great Books of the Western World and the Harvard Classics are amazing collections of classical literature. There are many differences between the two sets, but each provides a unique experience to the reader. In this video, I cover the differences between the Great Books and Harvard Classics, the study ability of each, the purchase price, and where to purchase! If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below. • COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/ * Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order. The Resources Mentioned In The Video In Order: • Great Books: https://amzn.to/4hriPIa• Harvard Classics (Easton Press): https://amzn.to/40i8gRP• Harvard Classics $2 Kindle: https://amzn.to/4f3tc3mThe Best Writing Journals: • https://amzn.to/4hrj5XESubstack: https://substack.com/@robpirieSupport the show