Scott and Karl read and discuss James S. Taylor's 1998 book,  Poetic Knowledge: The Recovery of Education. Taylor describes his work as an “attempt to resuscitate a nearly forgotten mode of knowledge.”  This "poetic knowledge" is not the knowledge of poetry. Rather, it is an intuitive, obscure, mysterious way of knowing reality. As Karl points out, "Poētēs in Greek means making... you're a maker of things. I think that's a reasonable way to think about it." The author traces the history of poetic knowledge through Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Benedict, and the beginning of its demise with Descartes. Tune in for a fascinating look at what has been and what might be again when we turn theoretical into practical knowledge. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com.

Scott and Karl read and discuss James S. Taylor's 1998 book,  Poetic Knowledge: The Recovery of Education. Taylor describes his work as an “attempt to resuscitate a nearly forgotten mode of knowledge.”  This "poetic knowledge" is not the knowledge of poetry. Rather, it is an intuitive, obscure, mysterious way of knowing reality. As Karl points out, "Poētēs in Greek means making... you're a maker of things. I think that's a reasonable way to think about it." The author traces the history of poetic knowledge through Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Benedict, and the beginning of its demise with Descartes. Tune in for a fascinating look at what has been and what might be again when we turn theoretical into practical knowledge. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#175- Taylor's Poetic Knowledge: The Recovery of Education

Scott and Karl delve into James Howard Kunstler's 2008 end-of-days novel, World Made by Hand.  James Howard Kunstler is an American author, social critic, public speaker, and blogger, perhaps best known for his 2005 novel, The Long Emergency. He has an active podcast, KunstlerCast, where you can find more of his honest urban commentary.  World Made by Hand is from your typical post-apocalyptic novel. Scott says, "It's not an unpleasant world that he pictures for us after the simplification." Karl believes that Kunstler is even optimistic despite the novel being set in a post-oil American future.  Scott points out, "This is a world where everything feels big. They grieve more, there's more death and it's closer, but they care more about the people that they do have, too." Tune in to hear the duo's discussion of this dystopian science-fiction novel. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

Scott and Karl delve into James Howard Kunstler's 2008 end-of-days novel, World Made by Hand.  James Howard Kunstler is an American author, social critic, public speaker, and blogger, perhaps best known for his 2005 novel, The Long Emergency. He has an active podcast, KunstlerCast, where you can find more of his honest urban commentary.  World Made by Hand is from your typical post-apocalyptic novel. Scott says, "It's not an unpleasant world that he pictures for us after the simplification." Karl believes that Kunstler is even optimistic despite the novel being set in a post-oil American future.  Scott points out, "This is a world where everything feels big. They grieve more, there's more death and it's closer, but they care more about the people that they do have, too." Tune in to hear the duo's discussion of this dystopian science-fiction novel. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#174- Kunstler's World Made by Hand Part 1

John Senior

Scott and Karl finish their discussion of Father Francis Bethel's biography, John Senior and the Restoration of Realism.  According to Scott, if you have concerns about yourself, how you interact with the world, and where the world is going— you need to read some John Senior as well as this biography.  In his works, John Senior discusses how there are ways of life that actually require realism. The duo talks about the pockets of our world where realism exists versus a way of life where unreality rules.  Tune in to finish Scott and Karl's discussion on what a full restoration of realism would look like, or if it's even possible. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

Scott and Karl finish their discussion of Father Francis Bethel's biography, John Senior and the Restoration of Realism. According to Scott, if you have concerns about yourself, how you interact with the world, and where the world is going— you need to read some John Senior as well as this biography.  In his works, John Senior discusses how there are ways of life that actually require realism. The duo talks about the pockets of our world where realism exists versus a way of life where unreality rules.  Tune in to finish Scott and Karl's discussion on what a full restoration of realism would look like, or if it's even possible. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#173- John Senior and the Restoration of Realism Part 2

Scott and Karl begin their discussion of Father Francis Bethel's biography that examines the life and thought of "cultural critic, university professor, and sometime cowboy," John Senior.  John Senior is the founder of Clear Creek Abbey, a Benedictine Abbey in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. He is the author of both The Death of Christian Culture and The Restoration of Christian Culture. As Karl points out, this biography doesn't so much delve into the details of Senior's life but focuses on his ideas.  Scott says, "One of [Senior's] assumptions, and I think he's right, is that Proper Christian culture is the underpinning behind the real metaphysics that built the West and the metaphysics that tied, past tense, science to reality. Senior thinks we are getting away from being tied to the real world and that our metaphysics is busted." It's clear to see how John Senior is one of Scott's heroes. Tune in to the first half of the duo's discussion on the restoration of realism. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

Scott and Karl begin their discussion of Father Francis Bethel's biography that examines the life and thought of "cultural critic, university professor, and sometime cowboy," John Senior.  John Senior is the founder of Clear Creek Abbey, a Benedictine Abbey in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. He is the author of both The Death of Christian Culture and The Restoration of Christian Culture. As Karl points out, this biography doesn't so much delve into the details of Senior's life but focuses on his ideas.  Scott says, "One of [Senior's] assumptions, and I think he's right, is that Proper Christian culture is the underpinning behind the real metaphysics that built the West and the metaphysics that tied, past tense, science to reality. Senior thinks we are getting away from being tied to the real world and that our metaphysics is busted." It's clear to see how John Senior is one of Scott's heroes. Tune in to the first half of the duo's discussion on the restoration of realism. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

 #172- John Senior and the Restoration of Realism Part 1

Shelby Foote

To round out 2022, Scott and Karl decided to revisit Shelby Foote's 2,968-page, 1.2 million-word history of the American Civil War. Collectively, Foote's history of the Civil War includes three compelling volumes: Fort Sumter to Perryville, Fredericksburg to Meridian, and Red River to Appomattox.   Scott and Karl begin talking about the tenuous nature of history yet how Foote still manages to bring his narrative power to this great epic. Scott says, "Shelby Foote made Ken Burn's career... Shelby Foote talks about things that happened 120 years ago like it was this morning." The duo agrees—there are great lessons to be learned in these books. Tune in to hear more of Scott and Karl's take on this monumental trilogy. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com.

To round out 2022, Scott and Karl decided to revisit Shelby Foote's 2,968-page, 1.2 million-word history of the American Civil War. Collectively, Foote's history of the Civil War includes three compelling volumes: Fort Sumter to Perryville, Fredericksburg to Meridian, and Red River to Appomattox.   Scott and Karl begin talking about the tenuous nature of history yet how Foote still manages to bring his narrative power to this great epic. Scott says, "Shelby Foote made Ken Burn's career... Shelby Foote talks about things that happened 120 years ago like it was this morning." The duo agrees—there are great lessons to be learned in these books. Tune in to hear more of Scott and Karl's take on this monumental trilogy. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#171- Shelby Foote's The Civil War Part 1

We're back! Scott and Karl explore Helen and Scott Nearing's The Good Life (1954) and Continuing the Good Life (1979) in a new, long-form podcast.  In the 20th century, Scott and Helen Nearing became the new models of self-sufficient lifestyles and rural homesteading. Having abandoned their life in New York City in 1932, rural Vermont became the place the couple could escape a capitalist life. Scott says, “They were trying to live out the 1930s communist ideal.” Over the next 60 years, the Nearings developed a system of living called the good life, inspiring others who are city-weary to do the same. But as Karl points out, "This is not Walden."  Tune in to learn more about Scott and Karl's take on the back-to-the-land movement. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

We're back! Scott and Karl explore Helen and Scott Nearing's The Good Life (1954) and Continuing the Good Life (1979) in a new, long-form podcast.  In the 20th century, Scott and Helen Nearing became the new models of self-sufficient lifestyles and rural homesteading. Having abandoned their life in New York City in 1932, rural Vermont became the place the couple could escape a capitalist life. Scott says, “They were trying to live out the 1930s communist ideal.” Over the next 60 years, the Nearings developed a system of living called the good life, inspiring others who are city-weary to do the same. But as Karl points out, "This is not Walden."  Tune in to learn more about Scott and Karl's take on the back-to-the-land movement. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#170- The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living

Odd Thomas Part

Scott and Karl are back after a brief hiatus to finish their discussion of Dean Koontz's 2003 thriller, Odd Thomas.  While the ending might make you emotional, this book satisfies its genre— it's suspenseful, memorable, and thoroughly entertaining. Still, Scott points out that reading this type of fiction in the present times is getting harder and harder.  Tune in for Part Two of the duo's conversation. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com 

Scott and Karl are back after a brief hiatus to finish their discussion of Dean Koontz's 2003 thriller, Odd Thomas.  While the ending might make you emotional, this book satisfies its genre— it's suspenseful, memorable, and thoroughly entertaining. Still, Scott points out that reading this type of fiction in the present times is getting harder and harder.  Tune in for Part Two of the duo's conversation. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>

#169- Koontz's Odd Thomas Part 2

This week, Scott and Karl begin their discussion of Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas, a best-selling thriller novel published in 2003. Koontz is known for being a masterful storyteller with a talent for creating richly drawn characters. While this novel is definitely a thriller, Scott points out it reads like a noir detective story.  If you are looking for an entertaining read, this book checks all the boxes for the duo. As Karl points out, "[Koontz] appears to have reasonably good metaphysics. Evil is evil, it's understandable, and the good guys are actually good."  Tune if for Part One of Scott and Karl's conversation. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

This week, Scott and Karl begin their discussion of Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas, a best-selling thriller novel published in 2003. Koontz is known for being a masterful storyteller with a talent for creating richly drawn characters. While this novel is definitely a thriller, Scott points out it reads like a noir detective story.  If you are looking for an entertaining read, this book checks all the boxes for the duo. As Karl points out, "[Koontz] appears to have reasonably good metaphysics. Evil is evil, it's understandable, and the good guys are actually good."  Tune if for Part One of Scott and Karl's conversation. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#168- Koontz's Odd Thomas Part 1

Scott and Karl finish their discussion of the first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, Foundation. The novel is set in the future, when the world is barely remembered, and humans have colonized the galaxy. While this series helped to redefine the science-fiction genre, the duo takes issue with the ways this make-believe society responds to the problems Asimov lays out and the use of mathematics and probability to predict the future. As Karl points out, "Scientific progress as a moral good makes no sense."  Tune in to hear Part Two of Scott and Karl's conversation. Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

Scott and Karl finish their discussion of the first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, Foundation. The novel is set in the future, when the world is barely remembered, and humans have colonized the galaxy. While this series helped to redefine the science-fiction genre, the duo takes issue with the ways this make-believe society responds to the problems Asimov lays out and the use of mathematics and probability to predict the future. As Karl points out, "Scientific progress as a moral good makes no sense."  Tune in to hear Part Two of Scott and Karl's conversation. Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#167- Asimov's Foundation Part 2

This week, the duo tackles Karl's pick— the first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece.  Largely regarded as a launch pad for space-age science fiction, Foundation is a collection of five short stories which were first published together as a book by Gnome Press in 1951. The series tells the story of the Foundation, an institute founded by psychohistorian Hari Seldon to preserve the best of galactic civilization after the collapse of the Galactic Empire. Scott says, "Asimov and all that stuff from this era is one of the reasons the boomers are the way they are. They were inculcated with a worldview that is out of fiction. They think everything is always going to improve, that science has the answer, and they see that history and the scope of time is a character and acts in and of itself so they don't have a responsibility."  Tune in to hear Part One of the duo's conversation and learn why Karl calls this "a good bad book." Brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

This week, the duo tackles Karl's pick— the first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece.  Largely regarded as a launch pad for space-age science fiction, Foundation is a collection of five short stories which were first published together as a book by Gnome Press in 1951. The series tells the story of the Foundation, an institute founded by psychohistorian Hari Seldon to preserve the best of galactic civilization after the collapse of the Galactic Empire. Scott says, "Asimov and all that stuff from this era is one of the reasons the boomers are the way they are. They were inculcated with a worldview that is out of fiction. They think everything is always going to improve, that science has the answer, and they see that history and the scope of time is a character and acts in and of itself so they don't have a responsibility."  Tune in to hear Part One of the duo's conversation and learn why Karl calls this "a good bad book." Brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#166- Asimov's Foundation Part 1

We discuss the great books, the great ideas and the process of liberal education.

I stumbled upon Onlinegreatbooks.com as part of an ongoing adventure into the world of classical education. These guys are phenomenal and brilliant and also totally lacking in any kind of pretentiousness. Well worth a listen and the 5 stars. Looking forward to (hopefully) joining the next seminar.

Diamond in the Rough world of podcasts

I have been listening to this podcast since the very beginning and must say it is my absolute favorite. The hosts, Scott and Karl speak of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness that can be found in the great books. I must admit I often weep openly and laugh out loud during many episodes. I especially recommend the podcasts on Thoreau, Emerson, and The Lord of the Rings. I finally got around to signing up for OGB and look forward to becoming a better man through struggling with these great books. Thanks Scott and Karl for the excellent content and keep it coming.

I weep

Online Great Books Podcast

Henry David Thoreau

In the spring of 1845, Henry David Thoreau borrowed an ax, walked into the woods, and started cutting down trees to make a shack to live in. Walden is the result of this endeavor. Through this process, Thoreau spells out his distinctly American project — simple living with as few compromises as possible. Karl says, “The book is not a guide to your life, the book is a challenge to your life.” In the woods, Thoreau makes precise, scientific observations of nature, writing his thoughts down in pastoral poetry. He wishes to drive life into a corner, to experience a sense of wonder, but also oneness, with nature.   When you are feeling uncoupled from your life, how might you come to “live deep and suck out all the marrow of life?” Tune in to this week's episode to hear more about Thoreau's experiment and what can happen when you pick up an ax. 

In the spring of 1845, Henry David Thoreau borrowed an ax, walked into the woods, and started cutting down trees to make a shack to live in. Walden is the result of this endeavor. Through this process, Thoreau spells out his distinctly American project — simple living with as few compromises as possible. Karl says, “The book is not a guide to your life, the book is a challenge to your life.” In the woods, Thoreau makes precise, scientific observations of nature, writing his thoughts down in pastoral poetry. He wishes to drive life into a corner, to experience a sense of wonder, but also oneness, with nature.   When you are feeling uncoupled from your life, how might you come to “live deep and suck out all the marrow of life?” Tune in to this week's episode to hear more about Thoreau's experiment and what can happen when you pick up an ax.

#59- Henry David Thoreau's Walden: Why Are We Always So Busy?

Brett McKay

Brett McKay of Art of Manliness fame joins Online Great Books owner Scott Hambrick to discuss Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, a narrative poem best known by the titles of its three constituent parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.   Dante's tale blends Christian theology and human reason, exploring the nature of sin and redemption. Virgil, the pre-Christian author of  The Aeneid, serves as Dante's (the character) guide through the Hell and Purgatory as well as a symbol of human reason. Meanwhile, Dante's childhood crush and self-described "perfect woman" Beatrice guides him through Heaven. Along the way Dante the author paints a picture of Hell that informs modern depictions to this day: fire, brimstone, lurid and gory punishments.

Brett McKay of <a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Art of Manliness</a> fame joins Online Great Books owner Scott Hambrick to discuss Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, a narrative poem best known by the titles of its three constituent parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Dante's tale blends Christian theology and human reason, exploring the nature of sin and redemption. Virgil, the pre-Christian author of  The Aeneid, serves as Dante's (the character) guide through the Hell and Purgatory as well as a symbol of human reason. Meanwhile, Dante's childhood crush and self-described "perfect woman" Beatrice guides him through Heaven. Along the way Dante the author paints a picture of Hell that informs modern depictions to this day: fire, brimstone, lurid and gory punishments.

#16 - Brett McKay (Art of Manliness) on Dante's Divine Comedy

Brett Veinoitte

Scott Hambrick interviews podcaster, author, former test prep educator, and education contrarian Brett Veinoitte about the rapidly changing role of school and, particularly, secondary school. As the recent scandal involving celebrities paying bribes to obtain university admissions for their children has revealed, college has become so ingrained as a symbol of status and opportunity that an entire industry has sprung up to facilitate the admission of subpar students. Meanwhile, the costs of college steadily rise, in both dollars and time.   Brett offers a history of schooling, tracing the modern public school system we are familiar with back to the Prussian educational reforms in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The Prussian system groomed common-born children for military service by establishing free, taxpayer-supported schools with a basic curriculum of technical skills needed in a modernizing world (such as reading and writing). The curriculum attempted to impose a strong sense of national identity and a strict ethos of duty, sobriety and discipline. These traits linger in our contemporary school system -- the bells dividing class times into regular schedules, the teachers reprimanding students to remain silent until called upon. Even the hierarchy of the school resembles something militaristic, with approximately platoon-sized classrooms, led by teachers, grouped under assistant principals, themselves guided by a principal and her staff of advisors.   None of these features was implemented to develop critical thinkers possessed of the skills to challenge authorities, status quo, or paradigms. Yet, for a time the system worked, and produced a workforce more suitable to the factories, assembly lines, and schedules of the new industrial world. Now that this industrial world is undergoing rapid change once again, graduates find themselves without the skills to find meaningful work. This disconnect has extended to secondary education as well, and with the cost of college education rising to astronomical levels, the value of a degree has plummeted.   Nevertheless, the myth that college is a golden ticket to opportunity and prosperity persists, with very real costs to the young people that acquire debt and delay families in search of the golden ticket. Brett and Scott hope to change that through their businesses.   Follow Brett Venoitte at the School Sucks Project and make sure to subscribe to his School Sucks Podcast while you're there!   Use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at Online Great Books.

Scott Hambrick interviews podcaster, author, former test prep educator, and education contrarian Brett Veinoitte about the rapidly changing role of school and, particularly, secondary school. As the recent scandal involving celebrities paying bribes to obtain university admissions for their children has revealed, college has become so ingrained as a symbol of status and opportunity that an entire industry has sprung up to facilitate the admission of subpar students. Meanwhile, the costs of college steadily rise, in both dollars and time. Brett offers a history of schooling, tracing the modern public school system we are familiar with back to the Prussian educational reforms in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The Prussian system groomed common-born children for military service by establishing free, taxpayer-supported schools with a basic curriculum of technical skills needed in a modernizing world (such as reading and writing). The curriculum attempted to impose a strong sense of national identity and a strict ethos of duty, sobriety and discipline. These traits linger in our contemporary school system -- the bells dividing class times into regular schedules, the teachers reprimanding students to remain silent until called upon. Even the hierarchy of the school resembles something militaristic, with approximately platoon-sized classrooms, led by teachers, grouped under assistant principals, themselves guided by a principal and her staff of advisors. None of these features was implemented to develop critical thinkers possessed of the skills to challenge authorities, status quo, or paradigms. Yet, for a time the system worked, and produced a workforce more suitable to the factories, assembly lines, and schedules of the new industrial world. Now that this industrial world is undergoing rapid change once again, graduates find themselves without the skills to find meaningful work. This disconnect has extended to secondary education as well, and with the cost of college education rising to astronomical levels, the value of a degree has plummeted. Nevertheless, the myth that college is a golden ticket to opportunity and prosperity persists, with very real costs to the young people that acquire debt and delay families in search of the golden ticket. Brett and Scott hope to change that through their businesses. Follow Brett Venoitte at the School Sucks Project and make sure to subscribe to his <a href="https://schoolsucksproject.com/category/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">School Sucks Podcast</a> while you're there! Use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at <a href="https://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Online Great Books</a>.

#20 - The College Trap: How College Became A Religious Belief with Brett Veinoitte (School Sucks Podcast)

Scott Hambrick and Karl Schudt discuss Friedrich Nietzsche's book The Joyful Wisdom, Book 3, which contains his infamous proclamation "God is dead." Nietzsche is perhaps best known for his writings about nihilism, the rejection of God and moral principles, or of any notion of meaning in life. From the nihilist's perspective, nothing in the world is real; it's merely a representation of the real, a concept that hearkens back to Plato's Allegory of the Cave.     Despite his systematic dismantling of God, religion, and the traditional moral codes of the West, Nietzsche was not an advocate for nihilism but rather viewed it as modern man's essential challenge: to overcome the sense of despair and meaninglessness.   Use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at Online Great Books!

Scott Hambrick and Karl Schudt discuss Friedrich Nietzsche's book The Joyful Wisdom, Book 3, which contains his infamous proclamation "God is dead." Nietzsche is perhaps best known for his writings about nihilism, the rejection of God and moral principles, or of any notion of meaning in life. From the nihilist's perspective, nothing in the world is real; it's merely a representation of the real, a concept that hearkens back to Plato's Allegory of the Cave. Despite his systematic dismantling of God, religion, and the traditional moral codes of the West, Nietzsche was not an advocate for nihilism but rather viewed it as modern man's essential challenge: to overcome the sense of despair and meaninglessness. Use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at <a href="https://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Online Great Books</a>!

#28 - "We believe in nothing!" The Stakes of Meaninglessness in Nietzsche's "The Joyful Wisdom"

This week, Scott and Karl discuss Dorthy Sayers’ paper, "The Lost Tools of Learning." This groundbreaking work is a great deal important to our mission here at Online Great Books, and for anyone else who wants a redo on their education. What did Sayers notice was lost back in 1947? Why does it matter that we have lost the tools of learning? In this episode, the guys talk about the all-encompassing ideas behind the Trivium, the downfalls of specialization, and the purpose of school. In school, you learn math and biology, but do you learn how to learn? For Sayers, the materials you use in order to teach how to learn doesn’t matter, only the process. “The sole true end of education,” says Sayers, “is to teach men how to learn for themselves; and whatever instruction fails to do this is effort spent in vain.” Tune in to this week’s episode and find out how your schooling may have failed you and how to recover your own tools of learning.

This week, Scott and Karl discuss Dorthy Sayers’ paper, "The Lost Tools of Learning." This groundbreaking work is a great deal important to our mission here at Online Great Books, and for anyone else who wants a redo on their education. What did Sayers notice was lost back in 1947? Why does it matter that we have lost the tools of learning? In this episode, the guys talk about the all-encompassing ideas behind the Trivium, the downfalls of specialization, and the purpose of school. In school, you learn math and biology, but do you learn how to learn? For Sayers, the materials you use in order to teach how to learn doesn’t matter, only the process. “The sole true end of education,” says Sayers, “is to teach men how to learn for themselves; and whatever instruction fails to do this is effort spent in vain.” Tune in to this week’s episode and find out how your schooling may have failed you and how to recover your own tools of learning.

#44- The Lost Tools of Learning

After years of Karl’s persistent hounding, Scott finally reads The Lord of the Rings. The two discuss elves, orcs, dwarfs, hobbits, and so much more. Disclaimer: If you haven’t yet already, do not watch The Lord of the Ring movies before reading the books. Don’t let your first Tolkien experience be from Peter Jackson. Karl will find you and scold you. The whole genre of fantasy literature, creating a world that isn’t this one and giving it a history, originates from one man— J.R.R. Tolkien. In the first episode of this two-part series, Scott and Karl begin discussing Tolkien’s ability to create a world so big it doesn’t have edges. Amidst all the magic, you’ll find themes of classism, progressive temptation, and domination of will. But you’ll also come to know what true friendship looks like, what glory feels like once you've given yourself the occasion, and ultimately how you ought to relate to the world.

After years of Karl’s persistent hounding, Scott finally reads The Lord of the Rings. The two discuss elves, orcs, dwarfs, hobbits, and so much more. Disclaimer: If you haven’t yet already, do not watch The Lord of the Ring movies before reading the books. Don’t let your first Tolkien experience be from Peter Jackson. Karl will find you and scold you. The whole genre of fantasy literature, creating a world that isn’t this one and giving it a history, originates from one man— J.R.R. Tolkien. In the first episode of this two-part series, Scott and Karl begin discussing Tolkien’s ability to create a world so big it doesn’t have edges. Amidst all the magic, you’ll find themes of classism, progressive temptation, and domination of will. But you’ll also come to know what true friendship looks like, what glory feels like once you've given yourself the occasion, and ultimately how you ought to relate to the world.

#35- The Lord of the Rings Part 1

This week, Scott and Karl read Josef Pieper’s Leisure the Basis of Culture. The duo dives into the Pieper-style definition of leisure, work, and their relationship. Pieper shows us that the Greeks and medieval Europeans understood the great value and importance of leisure. But do we? Most of us have been brought up on heavy doses of careerism, or what Pieper would define as work related to the servile arts, with the sole purpose of survival. Leisure, in effect, becomes a bad word, merely a way of recharging our batteries. For Pieper, the whole point of civilization is leisure, or the active engagement in higher things that aren’t economic. Idleness isn’t the point. Leisure should be contemplative, divine, and distinctly human. What must be present for contemplation to occur? How can you be more intentional with your leisure time? Tune in to this week’s episode and let us know your thoughts.

This week, Scott and Karl read Josef Pieper’s Leisure the Basis of Culture. The duo dives into the Pieper-style definition of leisure, work, and their relationship. Pieper shows us that the Greeks and medieval Europeans understood the great value and importance of leisure. But do we? Most of us have been brought up on heavy doses of careerism, or what Pieper would define as work related to the servile arts, with the sole purpose of survival. Leisure, in effect, becomes a bad word, merely a way of recharging our batteries. For Pieper, the whole point of civilization is leisure, or the active engagement in higher things that aren’t economic. Idleness isn’t the point. Leisure should be contemplative, divine, and distinctly human. What must be present for contemplation to occur? How can you be more intentional with your leisure time? Tune in to this week’s episode and let us know your thoughts.

#49- Leisure, the Basis of Culture 

John Syc

Scott and Online Great Books member John Syc, a therapist and LCSW from Hamden, CT, discuss the concept of authenticity in speech and discussion, and the various ways people sabotage their participation in discussions. Not only do people rob themselves of value with inauthentic speech, they also do disservice to the group. The Socratic model relies upon honest engagement in conversation, and learning to become vulnerable in voicing one's thoughts and opinions is an important aspect of discovery and learning.   Authenticity could be described as speaking your mind in a genuine manner, that is, expressing your thoughts in spite of the potential reactions of others. To dispense with PC culture, as it were. The seminars at Online Great Books are intended to provide a space for exploring and testing your values and ideas through discussion. Therefore participation in the discussion -- more importantly, genuine participation in the discussion -- is critical. The seminars rely on the idea of "learning through doing" and the seminar leaders explicitly act as guides rather than teachers. They serve as mediators and perhaps mentors, with the goal of helping you discover and hone your own ideas, no theirs.   Nevertheless, there are many inauthentic ways people participate in discussions. Perhaps the most common example is the devil's advocate, the person who takes a contrary stance. While the devil's advocate is an important role, one which both seminar leaders and participants will sometimes assume to challenge and hone the ideas of another, it is tempting to hide behind the position to avoid voicing a strong opinion of your own. Other people playing the devil's advocate may do so merely out of disagreeableness or combativeness, rather than a genuine attempt to challenge others for their growth. They misrepresent themselves, and thus alienate themselves from the group, having deprived the group of forming a real connection to them.   The silent participant is another offender. Saying nothing at all is better than saying something which might offend, the thinking goes. Or perhaps anxiety or self-esteem prevents them from voicing an opinion that may be challenged, attacked, or ignored. Either way they rob themselves of the value of the discussion, to explore their values and understand why they believe what they believe. Furthermore, they deprive the group of its lifeblood, discussion, and undermine the very thing they thought they would preserve by not speaking up in the first place.   That's not to say that silence can sometimes be authentic. Occasionally, you may not have anything to say, or may not have taken anything of value from the text, in which case playing the role of observer accurately represents your experience. If this is you, Scott encourages you to speak up and say that. Likely there are other group members who feel the same way, and stating your experience can spark conversation that explores why the group had the experience, and what that reveals about the text in question.   You can find out more about John and his therapy practice at: https://www.johnsyc.com   Use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at Online Great Books.

Scott and Online Great Books member John Syc, a therapist and LCSW from Hamden, CT, discuss the concept of authenticity in speech and discussion, and the various ways people sabotage their participation in discussions. Not only do people rob themselves of value with inauthentic speech, they also do disservice to the group. The Socratic model relies upon honest engagement in conversation, and learning to become vulnerable in voicing one's thoughts and opinions is an important aspect of discovery and learning. Authenticity could be described as speaking your mind in a genuine manner, that is, expressing your thoughts in spite of the potential reactions of others. To dispense with PC culture, as it were. The seminars at Online Great Books are intended to provide a space for exploring and testing your values and ideas through discussion. Therefore participation in the discussion -- more importantly, genuine participation in the discussion -- is critical. The seminars rely on the idea of "learning through doing" and the seminar leaders explicitly act as guides rather than teachers. They serve as mediators and perhaps mentors, with the goal of helping you discover and hone your own ideas, no theirs. Nevertheless, there are many inauthentic ways people participate in discussions. Perhaps the most common example is the devil's advocate, the person who takes a contrary stance. While the devil's advocate is an important role, one which both seminar leaders and participants will sometimes assume to challenge and hone the ideas of another, it is tempting to hide behind the position to avoid voicing a strong opinion of your own. Other people playing the devil's advocate may do so merely out of disagreeableness or combativeness, rather than a genuine attempt to challenge others for their growth. They misrepresent themselves, and thus alienate themselves from the group, having deprived the group of forming a real connection to them. The silent participant is another offender. Saying nothing at all is better than saying something which might offend, the thinking goes. Or perhaps anxiety or self-esteem prevents them from voicing an opinion that may be challenged, attacked, or ignored. Either way they rob themselves of the value of the discussion, to explore their values and understand why they believe what they believe. Furthermore, they deprive the group of its lifeblood, discussion, and undermine the very thing they thought they would preserve by not speaking up in the first place. That's not to say that silence can sometimes be authentic. Occasionally, you may not have anything to say, or may not have taken anything of value from the text, in which case playing the role of observer accurately represents your experience. If this is you, Scott encourages you to speak up and say that. Likely there are other group members who feel the same way, and stating your experience can spark conversation that explores why the group had the experience, and what that reveals about the text in question. You can find out more about John and his therapy practice at: <a href="https://www.johnsyc.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.johnsyc.com</a> Use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at <a href="https://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Online Great Books</a>.

#18 - Authenticity in Speech: The Importance of Speaking Your Mind with John Syc

Edward Bernays

In this week’s episode, Scott and Karl discuss Edward Bernays’ 1928 book Propaganda. Referred to as “the father of public relations,” and “the Machiavelli of the 20th century,” Bernays pioneered the scientific technique of shaping and manipulating public opinion which he famously dubbed “engineering of consent.” His seminal work, Propaganda, is a look behind the veil of the most powerful and influential institutions orchestrating the unseen mechanisms of society. In Karl’s own words, “It’s a very good book you want to throw across the room.” Tune in to hear a fascinating discussion about the methods, uses, and ideas behind Bernays' influencers to regiment the collective mind.

In this week’s episode, Scott and Karl discuss Edward Bernays’ 1928 book Propaganda. Referred to as “the father of public relations,” and “the Machiavelli of the 20th century,” Bernays pioneered the scientific technique of shaping and manipulating public opinion which he famously dubbed “engineering of consent.” His seminal work, Propaganda, is a look behind the veil of the most powerful and influential institutions orchestrating the unseen mechanisms of society. In Karl’s own words, “It’s a very good book you want to throw across the room.” Tune in to hear a fascinating discussion about the methods, uses, and ideas behind Bernays' influencers to regiment the collective mind.

#51- Edward Bernays' Propaganda 

In this week’s episode, Scott and Karl discuss all things related to reading. Before opening a book, it’s crucial to define your “why” and then your “how.” If you are reading for entertainment, your methods will differ than if you’re reading for enlightenment. Here at Online Great Books, the first book our members read in the program is How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. Adler has four basic questions a reader should have in active reading: What is this book about was a whole? What is being said in detail, and why? Is the book true, in whole or part? What of it? This method of investigation is our gold reading standard as we encounter Great Books authors from Aristotle to Shakespeare. But instead of letting Adlerian perfection be the enemy of the good, Scott advises, “Be patient with yourself, allow yourself to be eclectic in your reading style, and let the text be the measure of how well you’re reading.” In this episode, Scott and Karl discuss tools, timing, and note-taking methods as you take on your Great Books list. True to form, Karl takes notes on things that bother him in the text. What do you take notes on? Tune in and let us know your thoughts!

In this week’s episode, Scott and Karl discuss all things related to reading. Before opening a book, it’s crucial to define your “why” and then your “how.” If you are reading for entertainment, your methods will differ than if you’re reading for enlightenment. Here at Online Great Books, the first book our members read in the program is How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. Adler has four basic questions a reader should have in active reading: What is this book about was a whole? What is being said in detail, and why? Is the book true, in whole or part? What of it? This method of investigation is our gold reading standard as we encounter Great Books authors from Aristotle to Shakespeare. But instead of letting Adlerian perfection be the enemy of the good, Scott advises, “Be patient with yourself, allow yourself to be eclectic in your reading style, and let the text be the measure of how well you’re reading.” In this episode, Scott and Karl discuss tools, timing, and note-taking methods as you take on your Great Books list. True to form, Karl takes notes on things that bother him in the text. What do you take notes on? Tune in and let us know your thoughts!

#47- How We Read

This week, Scott and Karl dive into The Gulag Archipelago by Russian writer and historian Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.  Published in 1973, the title refers to a series of disconnected prisons in the Soviet Union that, nevertheless, all shared the same culture. The manuscript had to be hidden, originally published by the underground Samizdat press which reproduced censored publications by hand and passed the documents from reader to reader. This work of literature, and countless others like it, were essential in ultimately undoing the Soviet Union.  Solzhenitsyn has his own theory on the vast importance of literature. He believes this beauty will save the world. How does that work?  Scott says, “Beauty transcends language, it transcends rationality— it’s such a visceral thing that everyone can recognize. We might have trouble recognizing truth, we might have trouble recognizing goodness, those things might be hidden from us, but you just can’t hide the beautiful. The lowest among us and the most poisonous among us can see it a mile away. It’s probably the most powerful of those three lights." This novel also works as a powerful warning. What can happen when the dignity of the individual doesn't matter? What measures could be taken if thoughts can be crimes? Tune in to hear reflections on the nature of art, ethics, and a literary investigation Solzhenitsyn came to look upon as his inescapable moral duty.

This week, Scott and Karl dive into The Gulag Archipelago by Russian writer and historian Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.  Published in 1973, the title refers to a series of disconnected prisons in the Soviet Union that, nevertheless, all shared the same culture. The manuscript had to be hidden, originally published by the underground Samizdat press which reproduced censored publications by hand and passed the documents from reader to reader. This work of literature, and countless others like it, were essential in ultimately undoing the Soviet Union.  Solzhenitsyn has his own theory on the vast importance of literature. He believes this beauty will save the world. How does that work?  Scott says, “Beauty transcends language, it transcends rationality— it’s such a visceral thing that everyone can recognize. We might have trouble recognizing truth, we might have trouble recognizing goodness, those things might be hidden from us, but you just can’t hide the beautiful. The lowest among us and the most poisonous among us can see it a mile away. It’s probably the most powerful of those three lights." This novel also works as a powerful warning. What can happen when the dignity of the individual doesn't matter? What measures could be taken if thoughts can be crimes? Tune in to hear reflections on the nature of art, ethics, and a literary investigation Solzhenitsyn came to look upon as his inescapable moral duty.

#57- Solzhenitsyn’s The Gulag Archipelago: How Literature Can Save Us

Karl Discuss Aristotle

This week, Scott and Karl discuss Book I of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. Aristotle may seem like an intimidating figure that you can’t tap into, but this just isn’t true. As the author of the first book on ethics, Aristotle treats human behaviors like a science. If you believe in reason, if the world is a place you want to learn about and explore, what things must hinge on each other? Are things good because we aim at them or do we do things because they aim at the good? Aristotle asks readers to consider the highest good and how it can be achieved. In doing so, he devotes his first book to a preliminary account of happiness. But as Karl points out, you must first differentiate the English and Greek definitions of happiness. Happiness is not the correct word for what Aristotle is talking about but it's as close as we could get. "In English, happiness means a smile on your face, it is related to the word happen," Karl continues, "so you’re walking down the street and find $20 and you’re happy because something happened to you. But you didn’t make it happen." Aristotle uses the Greek word eudaimonia, meaning “good spirit” or flourishing. Unlike the English definition, Aristotle believes this is the only human good that is desirable for its own sake. According to Aristotle’s definition, happiness is action in accordance with virtue, not contentment. It's an activity, not a product.  Tune in to this week's episode and let us know your thoughts!

This week, Scott and Karl discuss Book I of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. Aristotle may seem like an intimidating figure that you can’t tap into, but this just isn’t true. As the author of the first book on ethics, Aristotle treats human behaviors like a science. If you believe in reason, if the world is a place you want to learn about and explore, what things must hinge on each other? Are things good because we aim at them or do we do things because they aim at the good? Aristotle asks readers to consider the highest good and how it can be achieved. In doing so, he devotes his first book to a preliminary account of happiness. But as Karl points out, you must first differentiate the English and Greek definitions of happiness. Happiness is not the correct word for what Aristotle is talking about but it's as close as we could get. "In English, happiness means a smile on your face, it is related to the word happen," Karl continues, "so you’re walking down the street and find $20 and you’re happy because something happened to you. But you didn’t make it happen." Aristotle uses the Greek word eudaimonia, meaning “good spirit” or flourishing. Unlike the English definition, Aristotle believes this is the only human good that is desirable for its own sake. According to Aristotle’s definition, happiness is action in accordance with virtue, not contentment. It's an activity, not a product.  Tune in to this week's episode and let us know your thoughts!

#46- Defining Happiness: Scott and Karl Discuss Aristotle's Ethics

Scott talks to Joe McCormack, author of  Brief: Make Bigger Impact by Saying Less, about the importance of brevity in communication. Joe is an author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with executives, military personnel, and many others to hone their ability to communicate efficiently in critical situations.   With attention spans shrinking and ever-growing demand for that limited resource, communicating briefly is an essential skill for the modern human being. For some, communicating with brevity is a matter of life or death. For others, it may make the difference in nailing an interview, or securing an important contract with a client. Whatever your reason for communication, brevity should be your chief aim.   You can find Joe at The BRIEF Lab, where he offers online classes, bootcamps, and other resources to improve your communication skills. He also hosts a podcast called Just Saying where he reflects on various aspects of communication in short 10-15min episodes.

Scott talks to Joe McCormack, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brief-Make-Bigger-Impact-Saying/dp/1118704967" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Brief: Make Bigger Impact by Saying Less</a>, about the importance of brevity in communication. Joe is an author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with executives, military personnel, and many others to hone their ability to communicate efficiently in critical situations. With attention spans shrinking and ever-growing demand for that limited resource, communicating briefly is an essential skill for the modern human being. For some, communicating with brevity is a matter of life or death. For others, it may make the difference in nailing an interview, or securing an important contract with a client. Whatever your reason for communication, brevity should be your chief aim. You can find Joe at <a href="https://thebrieflab.com/joe-mccormack-3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The BRIEF Lab</a>, where he offers online classes, bootcamps, and other resources to improve your communication skills. He also hosts a podcast called <a href="https://podcast.thebrieflab.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Just Saying</a> where he reflects on various aspects of communication in short 10-15min episodes.

#26 - Brevity is The Soul of Wit... and Effective Communication

Online Great Books founder Scott Hambrick and seminar leader Emmet Penney tackle the first scientific work on the podcast, Euclid's Elements. The Elements are a collection of treatises, postulates, and propositions that ultimately drive toward important mathematical concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem and the theory of numbers, i.e. integers, divisibility, prime numbers.   Everyone who has attended American public school has heard of these concepts, and their mention likely dredges up memories of endless, boring, rote work about triangles and algebra. Indeed school teaches the formulas, but it does not teach Euclid, who compiled numerous propositions form earlier mathematicians and weaved them into a thoughtful, cogently argued work about the nature of geometry and mathematics. Studying Euclid prompts the question: are these concepts discovered or invented? Does mathematics represent a fundamental truth of the universe, or does it merely describe the truth?   And that's why we study Euclid and other formative scientists and mathematicians at Online Great Books; they prompt us to consider the nature of truth and how the things we are taught in school came to be. It's quite a philosophical exercise. Yet philosophy and science exist in diametric opposition, at least in today's age. Emmet points out a difference between the practice of science (and the technological fruit it bears) and scientism, the faith in science as a diviner of absolute truth. Reading Euclid, he argues, shows us the deep interconnection between science and philosophy, and leads us to a deeper understanding of the truth.   You can find Emmet on Twitter as  Emmet Martin Penney. You can read some of his written work at:  Popula  Paste Magazine 

Online Great Books founder Scott Hambrick and seminar leader Emmet Penney tackle the first scientific work on the podcast, Euclid's Elements. The Elements are a collection of treatises, postulates, and propositions that ultimately drive toward important mathematical concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem and the theory of numbers, i.e. integers, divisibility, prime numbers. Everyone who has attended American public school has heard of these concepts, and their mention likely dredges up memories of endless, boring, rote work about triangles and algebra. Indeed school teaches the formulas, but it does not teach Euclid, who compiled numerous propositions form earlier mathematicians and weaved them into a thoughtful, cogently argued work about the nature of geometry and mathematics. Studying Euclid prompts the question: are these concepts discovered or invented? Does mathematics represent a fundamental truth of the universe, or does it merely describe the truth? And that's why we study Euclid and other formative scientists and mathematicians at Online Great Books; they prompt us to consider the nature of truth and how the things we are taught in school came to be. It's quite a philosophical exercise. Yet philosophy and science exist in diametric opposition, at least in today's age. Emmet points out a difference between the practice of science (and the technological fruit it bears) and scientism, the faith in science as a diviner of absolute truth. Reading Euclid, he argues, shows us the deep interconnection between science and philosophy, and leads us to a deeper understanding of the truth. You can find Emmet on Twitter as <a href="https://twitter.com/ChknNugtDeepSt8?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Emmet Martin Penney</a>. You can read some of his written work at: <ul> <li><a href="https://popula.com/author/emmet-martin-penney/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Popula</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pastemagazine.com/writers?name=emmet%20martin%20penney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Paste Magazine</a></li> </ul>

#24 - Euclid & The Shape of Modern Science with Emmet Penney

Producer Trent returns to the podcast to discuss the first modern piece of literature to appear on the podcast: Shakespeare's Hamlet. A dark, introspective, sprawling drama, Hamlet is arguably Shakespeare's masterpiece, and certainly one of the best of the twelve tragedies he penned. Scott and Trent discuss how Hamlet remains vital and relevant even in contemporary culture, and how Shakespeare's incisive wit and rhetorical devices permeate the English language.   Despite his dense, layered verse and immense vocabulary -- scholars estimate Shakespeare used over 25,000 words -- Shakespeare wrote for a wide variety of people, commoners and kings alike, and found a way to weave language and story into plays that are accessible regardless of one's education or background. Many readers encountering Shakespeare for the first time are intimidated by the complexity of the language. However, as Trent argues, Shakespeare's plays are first and foremost meant to be seen, and good actors bring life and context to the language that help the audience understand the direction of the plot, the comportment of the characters, and their internal motivations. Any person attempting to read a play for the first time should see a good theatrical production, or, if that is not possible, watch an unabridged film adaptation. Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet (1996) is a must-watch, full of excellent Shakespearean actors and popular film actors.

Producer Trent returns to the podcast to discuss the first modern piece of literature to appear on the podcast: Shakespeare's Hamlet. A dark, introspective, sprawling drama, Hamlet is arguably Shakespeare's masterpiece, and certainly one of the best of the twelve tragedies he penned. Scott and Trent discuss how Hamlet remains vital and relevant even in contemporary culture, and how Shakespeare's incisive wit and rhetorical devices permeate the English language. Despite his dense, layered verse and immense vocabulary -- scholars estimate Shakespeare used over 25,000 words -- Shakespeare wrote for a wide variety of people, commoners and kings alike, and found a way to weave language and story into plays that are accessible regardless of one's education or background. Many readers encountering Shakespeare for the first time are intimidated by the complexity of the language. However, as Trent argues, Shakespeare's plays are first and foremost meant to be seen, and good actors bring life and context to the language that help the audience understand the direction of the plot, the comportment of the characters, and their internal motivations. Any person attempting to read a play for the first time should see a good theatrical production, or, if that is not possible, watch an unabridged film adaptation. Kenneth Branagh's <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116477/?ref_=nm_knf_t2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hamlet</a> (1996) is a must-watch, full of excellent Shakespearean actors and popular film actors.

#22 - Shakespeare's Hamlet Pt. 1: The First Modern Masterpiece?

One year ago, Karl decided to give up his 20-year teaching career as a university professor of humanities and philosophy. Why did he make this decision? In Karl’s own words, “It was no longer rewarding for me or valuable to the students.” Towards the end of his teaching career, Karl started to notice a decline in his student’s ability to read and a general reluctance to share opinions. Scott and Karl dig into the dismal state of higher education today and the problem of chasing credentials. These days, Karl is helping people get strong in body and mind. He’s a barbell coach and an interlocutor here at Online Great Books. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Karl’s full story! 

One year ago, Karl decided to give up his 20-year teaching career as a university professor of humanities and philosophy. Why did he make this decision? In Karl’s own words, “It was no longer rewarding for me or valuable to the students.” Towards the end of his teaching career, Karl started to notice a decline in his student’s ability to read and a general reluctance to share opinions. Scott and Karl dig into the dismal state of higher education today and the problem of chasing credentials. These days, Karl is helping people get strong in body and mind. He’s a barbell coach and an interlocutor here at Online Great Books. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Karl’s full story!

#43- Karl Drops Out Of School

The medium is the… massage? In 1967, Marshall McLuhan teamed up with graphic designer Quentin Fiore to write The Medium is the Massage, a short 160-page picture book that offers us a glimpse as to how the medium "shapes and controls the scale and form of human association and action,” of work and leisure. Karl points out, “to say the media is the massage means the medium, this conceptional world, is massaging you— it’s rhetoric." Have societies always been shaped more by the nature of the media by which we communicate or by the content of the communication? This nonconventional book is a nice companion piece to Bernays’ Propaganda and part of our “Modern Sophists” podcast series. Tune in to this week’s episode and discover how media can touch our character formation, our public and private lives, even our sentimentality versus hard-head clarity.

The medium is the… massage? In 1967, Marshall McLuhan teamed up with graphic designer Quentin Fiore to write The Medium is the Massage, a short 160-page picture book that offers us a glimpse as to how the medium "shapes and controls the scale and form of human association and action,” of work and leisure. Karl points out, “to say the media is the massage means the medium, this conceptional world, is massaging you— it’s rhetoric." Have societies always been shaped more by the nature of the media by which we communicate or by the content of the communication? This nonconventional book is a nice companion piece to Bernays’ Propaganda and part of our “Modern Sophists” podcast series. Tune in to this week’s episode and discover how media can touch our character formation, our public and private lives, even our sentimentality versus hard-head clarity.

 #53- The Medium is the Massage 

This week, Scott and Karl put on their tin foil hats for a reading of George Orwell's 1984.  Published in 1949, the enduring relevance in 1984 is hard to overlook. Of its message, Karl says, “There are definitely right stories to tell and wrong stories to tell. The wrong stories get pulled which is why I’m frustrated with George Orwell— you wrote the instruction manual!" In a world where language is used solely for political purposes and family life is replaced by pure economic calculus, Orwell managed to tell a story with characters that his readers can identify with.  Karl continues, "If you have any sort of sensitivity like I do, this is one [book] you will throw across the room. Not because it is bad, but because it rings so true.” Tune in for a fascinating discussion on political prophecy, power, and compliance in this week's episode, brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com. 

This week, Scott and Karl put on their tin foil hats for a reading of George Orwell's 1984.  Published in 1949, the enduring relevance in 1984 is hard to overlook. Of its message, Karl says, “There are definitely right stories to tell and wrong stories to tell. The wrong stories get pulled which is why I’m frustrated with George Orwell— you wrote the instruction manual!" In a world where language is used solely for political purposes and family life is replaced by pure economic calculus, Orwell managed to tell a story with characters that his readers can identify with.  Karl continues, "If you have any sort of sensitivity like I do, this is one [book] you will throw across the room. Not because it is bad, but because it rings so true.” Tune in for a fascinating discussion on political prophecy, power, and compliance in this week's episode, brought to you by <a href="http://onlinegreatbooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">onlinegreatbooks.com</a>.

#70- Are We Living in Orwell’s 1984?

Scott is joined by Karl Schudt in this week’s discussion of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, “Self-Reliance.” For Emerson, authentic, unmediated thought has some sort of divine truth in it. This is crucial to our mission at Online Great Books. In seminar discussion, everyone has a unique perspective that we need to hear about. Your thoughts are worth a whole lot!    Despite that freedom Emerson felt, and wrote about, and saw in transcendentalism, we are more conformist than ever as a nation. Even with endless choices in front of us, is true freedom of action waning? Scott and Karl talk about everything from finding the glory of your own consequences, to the problem of pathological empathy, to internet trolling. Tune in for an unforgettable episode!  If you are interested in starting your journey with the Great Books, use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at Online Great Books.

Scott is joined by Karl Schudt in this week’s discussion of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, “Self-Reliance.” For Emerson, authentic, unmediated thought has some sort of divine truth in it. This is crucial to our mission at Online Great Books. In seminar discussion, everyone has a unique perspective that we need to hear about. Your thoughts are worth a whole lot!  Despite that freedom Emerson felt, and wrote about, and saw in transcendentalism, we are more conformist than ever as a nation. Even with endless choices in front of us, is true freedom of action waning? Scott and Karl talk about everything from finding the glory of your own consequences, to the problem of pathological empathy, to internet trolling. Tune in for an unforgettable episode!  If you are interested in starting your journey with the Great Books, use the discount OGBPODCAST to save 25% on enrollment at <a href="https://onlinegreatbooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Online Great Books.</a>

#39- Emerson on Self-Reliance 

Welcome, dear listeners, to a show that explores what it means to be human. Sound intriguing? This week, Scott and Karl read Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune which is a book thought to be The Lord of the Rings equivalent in the science fiction genre.  Scott expands, "In The Lord of the Rings, there’s something comforting and familiar about that world even when it get’s scary and the outcomes look uncertain. This world is much scarier, much more uncanny.  It may be because there are elements of this world familiar to us. This book is not about saving the environment. This is about man’s ability to mold his environment." Tune in for a discussion on what makes us human, how certain environments can put our humanity on display, and the type of education that sparks adaptability over mere preparedness in times of crisis. 

Welcome, dear listeners, to a show that explores what it means to be human. Sound intriguing? This week, Scott and Karl read Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune which is a book thought to be The Lord of the Rings equivalent in the science fiction genre.  Scott expands, "In The Lord of the Rings, there’s something comforting and familiar about that world even when it get’s scary and the outcomes look uncertain. This world is much scarier, much more uncanny.  It may be because there are elements of this world familiar to us. This book is not about saving the environment. This is about man’s ability to mold his environment." Tune in for a discussion on what makes us human, how certain environments can put our humanity on display, and the type of education that sparks adaptability over mere preparedness in times of crisis.

#63- Frank Herbert's Dune: Testing the Limits of What it Means to be Human

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