Classical Wisdom Speaks

Discover the woman who brought Greek mythology to America… Today Anya is joined by Victoria Houseman to discuss the life and legacy of Edith Hamilton, the American Classicist who brought Greek mythology and ancient cultures to a vast new audience.Her books remain beloved classics in their own right, and illuminate not only the Greeks and Romans, but also how the ancients can help us understand the tumultuous twentieth century.Victoria Houseman is a historian and associate professor in the Department of History and Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.You can buy “American Classicist: The Life and Loves of Edith Hamilton” by Victoria Houseman here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691236186/?bestFormat=true&k=american%20classicist&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_di_k0_1_19&crid=3FOD5P0ESZB2JHosted 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/

While Stoicism is currently all the rage -and for good reason- it isn’t the only philosophy to address some of life’s toughest questions. From dealing with uncertainty, stress, grief and more, we have a wonderful toolbox of wisdom at our disposal, if only we know where to look.Renowned Stoics and philosophers, Massimo Pigliucci, Donald Robertson and John Sellars, take the lessons of Stoicism... and beyond... to see how we can approach life’s difficulties and incorporate time-tested philosophies into our modern life. This event is hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom and to sign up for the free newsletter, please go to: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

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.