Classical Wisdom Speaks

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Benjamin B. Olshin, a philosophy and science scholar and author, dives into the intriguing parallels between Stoicism and Buddhism. He explores how both philosophies advocate for a virtuous life and shared concepts like logos and dharma. The conversation highlights their practical applications in managing emotions and navigating existence. Olshin also touches on the cultural influences shaping these philosophies and their profound relevance in today’s fast-paced world, offering insight into achieving a balanced and meaningful life.

What happens AFTER an apocalypse?How did ancient societies rebuild after catastrophic events… and what can that teach us about our world now?Today, Anya is joined by DR ERIC H. CLINE, author of the bestselling history book 1177 B.C and its recent sequel, After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations. They’ll be discussing what to do if your society collapses… and why the ancient 'dark ages' weren't so dark.Dr. Cline is Professor of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Anthropology, the former Chair of the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, and the current Director of the GWU Capitol Archaeological Institute. He is a National Geographic Explorer, a Fulbright scholar, an NEH Public Scholar, a Getty Scholar, and an award-winning teacher. You can buy After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations here: https://www.amazon.com/After-1177-B-C-Survival-Civilizations/dp/0691192138Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Samir Chopra, a philosopher at Brooklyn College, discusses anxiety as a philosophical concept, challenging views of it as strictly medical. Katherine D. Van Schaik sheds light on Galen’s historical insights into anxiety, connecting ancient medicine to modern understanding. Michael Fontaine examines the duality of anxiety and grief through classical lenses, emphasizing mindfulness and community. Together, they debate contemporary anxieties shaped by urban life and technology, advocating for deeper philosophical reflection over pharmaceutical solutions.

In this engaging discussion, Katherine D. Van Schaik, MD, PhD, and author of "How to Be Healthy: An Ancient Guide to Wellness," dives into the extraordinary life of Galen, the gladiator physician who bridged medicine and philosophy. They explore Galen’s pivotal contributions to health and wellness, how his dreams influenced his career, and the surprising intersections of ancient dietary wisdom with modern practices. Katherine also shares humorous insights from her diverse medical experiences, making history accessible and entertaining.

Join Alex Priou, Associate Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Austin and author of 'Musings on Plato’s Symposium', as he provides a fresh perspective on Plato's most playful dialogue, The Symposium. They discuss how a relaxed approach can take the stuffiness out of philosophy and highlight the joy of engaging with ancient texts. Priou argues for the importance of meaningful social interactions in philosophical discussions and reflects on the intriguing potential of lost philosophical texts that might offer deeper insights into ancient ideas.

Join Christopher Beckwith, a distinguished professor and expert on Scythians, as he unravels the secrets of this fascinating ancient tribe. Discover how the Scythians inspired the myth of the Amazons and explore their cultural legacy. Beckwith sheds light on Herodotus's reliable accounts and reveals the sophisticated military strategies and unique lifestyle practices of the Scythians. Delve into their surprising reverence for cats and their influence on the governance of ancient empires, all while challenging the 'barbarian' stereotype.

Robin Waterfield, an independent scholar and translator, shares insights from his groundbreaking biography, 'Plato of Athens.' He discusses the challenges Plato faced while influencing political leaders like Dionysius II and questions the authenticity of various letters attributed to him. Waterfield also draws intriguing parallels between Plato’s philosophies and figures such as Marcus Aurelius, while emphasizing the importance of making Plato's ideas accessible today. This enlightening conversation sheds light on the intrigue surrounding the great philosopher's life and legacy.

Diane Rayor, Professor Emerita of Classics, brings her expertise on ancient Greek poetry to explore the complexities of iconic women like Sappho, Medea, and Antigone. She discusses the challenges of translating these powerful characters' narratives, emphasizing their historical and contemporary significance. The conversation highlights Medea's transformation and themes of betrayal, while also reimagining Sappho's poetry through its original performance culture. Rayor underscores the translator's crucial role in making these ancient voices accessible to modern audiences.

Join Armand D’Angour, Massimo Pigliucci, Angie Hobbs, and Donald Robertson as they dive into the relevance of Socrates in today's world. They explore the complexity of Socratic thought versus its portrayals, emphasizing integrity and critical thinking. The discussion highlights the Socratic method's role in modern education, ethics, and psychotherapy. They ponder Socrates’ views on death and love, his personal responsibility doctrine, and his lasting legacy as a martyr of philosophy, revealing insights that challenge contemporary beliefs.

The ancients had plenty of thoughts about animals... but are their insights helpful to us now? How did they treat animals? What did they think of them? And should we eat meat? Today’s Classical Wisdom Speaks podcast is with Mark Usher, the Lyman-Roberts Professor of Classical Languages and Literature and a member of the Department of Geography and Geosciences at the University of Vermont. With his wife, he also built, owns, and operates Works & Days Farm in Shoreham, Vermont. Today we’ll be talking about his most recent book, How to Care About Animals: An Ancient Guide to Creatures Great and Small. You can purchase his book hereThis podcast is brought to you by Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. To learn more about the Classics and to sign up for our free newsletter, please go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/