Classical Wisdom

Classical Wisdom explores ancient philosophy, cultures, and historical figures to unravel insights applicable to modern life. It combines analyses of classical texts, philosophical discussions, and historical perspectives to address contemporary issues, promoting understanding through the lens of ancient wisdom across varied topics such as ethics, leadership, and societal norms.

Ancient Philosophy Classical Literature Historical Analysis Ethical Philosophy Social Commentary Ancient Cultures Philosophical Concepts Historical Figures Cultural Interpretations Modern Applications of Ancient Wisdom

The hottest Substack posts of Classical Wisdom

And their main takeaways

The Great Flood

1474 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Ancient Greece
  1. The ancient Greek myth of Deucalion surviving a catastrophic flood has similarities to the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, showcasing different visions of destruction: fire, ice, and water.
  2. Creation myths play a significant role in ancient cultures, often symbolizing the origin of the world and human species, like with Prometheus creating mankind and Deucalion repopulating the earth after the flood.
  3. Deucalion's survival from the flood, along with his wife Pyrrha, led to the repopulation of the earth through divine guidance, and their offspring Hellen is the legendary ancestor of the Greek race.

For the Love of the Classics

1650 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Classics Gifts Quotes
  1. The Classics are a great source of inspiration for Valentine's gifts.
  2. Classical Wisdom offers collections like warm blankets, a tote, and a hardback notebook.
  3. There are special Valentine's Day gifts available for ancient history lovers.

How Can We Handle Anxiety?

1552 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Practice negative visualization to prepare for challenges and reduce anxiety.
  2. Ancient Stoic philosophy can help us face uncertainties and build mental resilience.
  3. By contemplating the worst outcomes, we can often find that reality is less daunting than our fears.

Who was the Prince of Ancient Comedy?

1847 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History Comedy Ancient Greece
  1. Comedy in ancient Greece was not just for laughs, but a tool for satire and social commentary.
  2. Aristophanes was regarded as the Prince of Ancient Comedy, known for his humorous insights on history and humanity.
  3. Studying Aristophanes and his works can provide valuable lessons about women in ancient times and his views on war.
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Celebrate MLK with 'Agape'

1886 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy History Arts
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply inspired by the Greek concept of 'agape' which is transcendent love for others.
  2. Socrates and Martin Luther King both practiced civil disobedience and accepted the consequences for the sake of their beliefs.
  3. Both Socrates and Martin Luther King faced unjust consequences and suffered tragically for their ideas, but their actions left a lasting impact on the pursuit of justice.

Gaius Marius

1945 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💾 History Ancient Rome Civil War Military Leadership
  1. Gaius Marius was a significant figure in ancient Roman history who rose to power through unconventional strategies and populist support.
  2. Marius's actions led to the downfall of the Roman Republic as his rise to power and seizure of dictatorial powers shook the traditional Roman political structure.
  3. The rivalry between Gaius Marius and Sulla, and the subsequent civil wars, disrupted the balance of power in the Roman Republic and ultimately contributed to its demise.

LIVE Event: What is Plagiarism?

1906 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. A live event on 'What is Plagiarism?' is happening on January 17th at 2pm EST.
  2. Esteemed speakers, including Harvard Professor James Hankins and Peter Adamson, will be discussing the topic.
  3. Understanding the historical evolution of Plagiarism helps us navigate its significance.

Final Call

2004 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🚌 Education Course Learning Classics
  1. The Essential Greeks Course begins tomorrow
  2. Previous students found the course intellectually thought-provoking and enlightening
  3. Excellence is a habit, so take advantage of this final call

How important are dreams?

1238 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Meaning Purpose Truth
  1. Dreams have been considered important throughout history and have impacted fields like medicine, philosophy, and even the course of history.
  2. Dreams were viewed as messages from the divine, offering insights into life and guiding important decisions.
  3. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures attached great significance to dreams, seeing them as a link between mortals and the divine.

Utopia Vs Human Nature

1533 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Art & Illustration
  1. Aristophanes explores the concept of utopia and its relationship with human nature
  2. Utopias can be nostalgic, fictional, or aimed at reconstructing the world
  3. Through his comedies, Aristophanes provides criticisms and insights on the societal issues of his time

Aeneas: Founder of Rome

1041 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Mythology Ancient Rome Imperialism Morality
  1. Aeneas was a significant figure in Roman mythology, known for being the founder of Rome and embodying Roman virtues.
  2. Aeneas' story was immortalized in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid, which is considered one of the greatest works in Classical literature.
  3. The legend of Aeneas and his adventures was used to explain Rome's foundation, justify its empire, and promote Roman moral values.

What is Plagiarism?

1552 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🚌 Education Academic Integrity Philosophy History
  1. Plagiarism is a serious issue in academia and has led to high-profile scandals.
  2. The concept of plagiarism has ancient roots, dating back to Roman times.
  3. The debate over plagiarism raises questions about originality and the balance between forming our own ideas and drawing inspiration from others.

How to Steal From Homer

1198 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History Language
  1. Plagiarism has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.
  2. Plagiarism was taken seriously in ancient times, with accusations of stealing literary works.
  3. The concept of duplicative language being considered plagiarism was debated, with some arguing that great artists could get a free pass.

Weekend Roundup

1120 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There is a live event on January 23rd discussing the life and legacy of Marcus Aurelius.
  2. The event includes well-known speakers like Donald Robertson and Angie Hobbs.
  3. Attendees have a chance to win a copy of Donald Robertson's book 'Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor'.

Events Schedule

1179 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🚌 Education Philosophy Events
  1. Wednesday's live discussion on Plagiarism starts at 2:00pm EST.
  2. Exciting upcoming events on different topics like Marcus Aurelius and Philosophy for Children.
  3. Register in advance to receive event recordings even if you can't join live.

Weekend Roundup

864 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Podcasts Ancient History Literature
  1. History can offer insights into modern problems.
  2. Plagiarism has historical roots and can be understood through the study of history.
  3. Classical Wisdom discusses a range of topics on their podcasts, including ancient animals and 'Big Caesars'.

Weekend Roundup

589 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Political Philosophy Comedy
  1. The post discusses the panel on Marcus Aurelius and the debate on his philosophy and actions.
  2. There is an exploration of Plato's concept of philosopher kings and their rule in the ideal state.
  3. The post mentions exclusive member content on ancient political systems, including Aristophanes' comedy works.

Weekend Roundup

471 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Mythology
  1. Classical Wisdom offers a collection of gifts featuring ancient love quotes for Valentine's Day.
  2. Become a member to explore topics like Atlantis and the Allegory of the Cave from Plato.
  3. Classical Wisdom provides resources and articles on various topics related to ancient wisdom.

Weekend Roundup

255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🚌 Education History Mythology Literature Podcasts Classical Studies
  1. Listen to the wisdom of Herodotus and learn about the Scythians, an ancient nomadic people who were once considered 'invincible'
  2. Explore mythological fiction like Tad Crawford's 'On Wine-Dark Seas', a sequel to the Odyssey, to delve deeper into the story of Odysseus and Telemachus
  3. Access exclusive content and resources by becoming a member of Classical Wisdom, including podcasts with professors, webinars, e-books, and magazines

Sparta and… Scotland?

2653 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Humor
  1. Spartans and Scots share hidden wit and sarcasm in their cultures
  2. Both cultures are known for their laconic wit, expressing ideas concisely
  3. Humour can be found in unexpected places, like in historical exchanges and responses

Do You Listen Well?

2555 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🚌 Education Listening Philosophy Ancient Wisdom Personal Development
  1. Listening well is an important skill in any interaction, whether with family, friends, or strangers.
  2. Plutarch highlighted the different types of listeners, including selective listeners, disapproving listeners, and over-confident listeners.
  3. Plutarch emphasized that learning is a collaborative process between the speaker and the listener, requiring active participation and critical thinking from both parties.

Aristotle on Luck

2181 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic
  1. Aristotle distinguishes between luck and chance, pointing out that luck involves events that occur unexpectedly without necessity or regularity.
  2. Luck requires conscious decisions and human intent, while chance is simply a coincidental occurrence without purpose.
  3. Understanding luck and chance can lead to philosophical questions about the universe and our existence.

Socrates' Wayward Student

2220 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Ethics Hedonism Virtue Morality
  1. Cyrenaic hedonists took a different approach to pleasure than Stoicism, focusing on pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain as the highest good.
  2. Aristippus, a follower of Socrates, diverged greatly from his teacher's principles to indulge in luxury and extravagance, believing in seeking pleasure while maintaining mastery over desires.
  3. Cyrenaic hedonism promotes living a life devoted to pursuing pleasures while also advocating for mastery over desires, without becoming a slave to pleasure.

Why Read Modern Books?

1945 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The post discusses a newly published modern book that incorporates classical references, mythology, and diverse narratives.
  2. The book aims to combine eastern and western philosophies to offer a fresh perspective on life and the world around us.
  3. The author, the founder of Classical Wisdom, openly shares that the book was written by her husband and invites readers to explore this modern yet classic-inspired novel.

Empedocles

2279 implied HN points • 12 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Science
  1. Empedocles was a philosopher known for his belief in the four elements and the concept of a conscious universe.
  2. Empedocles believed in the forces of Love and Strife as the key elements in the interaction of the four worldly elements.
  3. Empedocles made significant contributions to early scientific testing, such as proving the existence of air using a water clock.

Artemisia of Caria

2063 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💾 History Ancient Greece Influence
  1. Artemisia of Caria was a fascinating and feared figure in history, known for her cunning tactics and subterfuge in naval battles.
  2. Artemisia's advice to Xerxes before the Battle of Salamis was disregarded, potentially changing the course of history if he had listened.
  3. Artemisia's legacy as a strong-willed queen, conqueror, and commander challenges the norms of her time when women were often encouraged to remain anonymous.

Heraclitus

2103 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology
  1. Heraclitus believed in a world of constant change and transformation, emphasizing unity of opposites.
  2. Heraclitus' concept of the divine Logos serves as a guiding force for the universe, representing an underlying principle for all things.
  3. Heraclitus' philosophy of universal flux, likened to fire, highlights the harmony in the constant transformation of opposites.

The Two Trojan Wars

1985 implied HN points • 19 May 23
💾 History Mythology Literature
  1. There were two Trojan Wars, with the more famous one being the second.
  2. The first Trojan War was led by Hercules and had different origins than the second.
  3. Zeus played a significant role in the root causes of the second Trojan War, manipulating events to rid the world of his potential threats.

James Joyce's Ulysses

1709 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Characters Structure
  1. James Joyce's Ulysses is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey in a modern setting.
  2. The main characters in Ulysses are inspired by major figures from the Odyssey, like Leopold Bloom as an 'everyman' version of Odysseus.
  3. Ulysses follows a unique structure influenced by the Odyssey, with each chapter reflecting elements from the ancient epic.

Jews in the Roman Bathhouse

1670 implied HN points • 30 May 23
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Religion
  1. Public bathhouses in ancient Rome were a central part of life for people from all backgrounds.
  2. The interaction between Jews and Greco-Roman culture in places like the Roman bathhouse shaped Western civilization.
  3. Professor Yaron Eliav's new book 'A Jew in the Roman Bathhouse' explores this relationship and challenges perceptions.

Marcus Aurelius VS Diogenes

1788 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Comparison Lifestyle Happiness
  1. Stoicism and Cynicism share the goal of achieving happiness through living in accordance with nature, but differ in how they view societal expectations and material possessions.
  2. Stoics like Marcus Aurelius valued harmonious living with others and some luxuries, while Cynics like Diogenes prioritized individual freedom and rejected wealth and excess.
  3. The Stoics refined Cynic philosophy into a more widely accepted practice, promoting virtue and wisdom as essential for a fulfilling life.

Why Should We Care About Children?

1729 implied HN points • 10 May 23
  1. There is importance in embracing and caring for the youth and the elderly in a community.
  2. Cultivating a love for wisdom, philosophy, mythology, and history in the younger generation is valuable.
  3. Creating opportunities for intergenerational interaction and learning can lead to a sustainable and enriched culture.

Aristophanes’ Lysistrata

137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature
  1. Aristophanes is known as the father of old comedy and his play Lysistrata is very popular.
  2. Lysistrata is considered a guilty pleasure for classical readers and a crowd favorite.
  3. The play is set during the Peloponnesian War in 411 BC and captures the essence of the time.

Plato

58 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy
  1. Plato is considered a fundamental figure in Western philosophy.
  2. Aristotle, his student, held Plato in high regard.
  3. Alfred North Whitehead viewed Plato as a significant influence on Western philosophy.