Classical Wisdom

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, I suppose, in a way, they’re alike… Even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. When you think about it, both mythology and mathematics are cornerstones of how humanity has tried to understand the world. And the ancient Greeks made a massive contribution to them both. Now, let me set your mind at ease; there’s no tricky sums in this week’s Weekly Wisdom Quiz.

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, So, after all the excitement, I can’t help but wonder… What’s next? The last few weeks we’ve talked a lot about Homer, with the recent film version of the Odyssey bringing Odysseus’ journeys right to the forefront of the world’s cultural conversation. (Where it belongs!) The film’s massive success makes me think it’s inevitable that there’s going to be a few more ancient epics making their way to the big screen over the next few years.

Dear Classical Wisdom Member, This summer, millions of moviegoers poured into cinemas around the world to relive Homer’s epic tale, The Odyssey. Not doubt you’ve heard the reviews, good, bad and otherwise. But you know what’s better than an IMAX experience? Real life. As people are virtually transported into the ancient world, you have the opportunity, as …

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, I am the black sheep of the family. In a genus filled with mathematicians, scientists, and engineers, I was the drama kid, who liked ancient plays and art museums. While my brothers were reciting Star Trek and building computers, I was prone to producing elaborate marionette shows, complete with delicate props and nonsensical storylines. They absolutely loved spending long car rides doing fractions... I did not.

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, One of the things I love discovering in the ancient world are those rare windows into daily life...concrete, tangible glimpses of what it was really like to live thousands of years ago. Almost like an instruction manual, they allow us to imagine what it would be like to recreate those experiences ourselves... if we wanted to.

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, Myth or reality? Who fought in it, and when did they fight? And what happened afterwards? This week, we looked at one of most important cores of ancient Greek storytelling and culture: the Trojan War. It has inspired and fascinated thinkers and artists for millennia, as well as more than a few Hollywood films, including this summer’s mega-blockbuster, The Odyssey. But how well do YOU know it? Find out for yourself with the Weekly Wisdom Quiz.

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, A while back, someone asked me where exactly should someone should start with Greek tragedy… And I knew exactly what to tell him. It’s a famous story, and I was glad to see elements of it make an appearance in the recent Odyssey film… even if it’s only in quick snippets. In Nolan’s film, as in Homer, it’s a tale which serves as a dark parallel to both Odysseus and his family.

Usually one does not describe war as 'inspirational'. After all, it normally involves horrific bloodshed and unforeseen consequences like plague and famine. This, however, was an inspirational war... as it has been a font of influence for writers, artists, philosophers, and warriors alike. But the question still remains... did it take place at all? Enjo…

Dear Classical Wisdom Member, For more than 2,500 years, people have argued over one deceptively simple question: Did the Trojan War actually happen? Finding Troy, of course, was the first big step... but did it prove that the battle between the Trojans and the Greeks ever took place? The answer is much more fascinating than a straightforward yes or no...

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, I keep having Odyssey-related dreams... sometimes it’s just the crashing of the waves and the shouts of the crew rocking me to sleep. Or an abstract sense of needing to go somewhere... a longing for a return, though I don’t know where. A few nights ago, I was trying to teach the ancient Greek alphabet... unsuccessfully.