Classical Wisdom

Death and Desire Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, You’ve probably already heard by now… Yesterday, the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Anne Carson, acclaimed poet and translator. And, of course, crucially, a classicist! The ancient world’s mythology and literature are foundational to her work, especially Greek tragedy. In particular, a play she has returned to over her career is Antigone.

The Greek Philosopher’s Key to Happiness Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, One of the best things about living in Argentina is Brazil. I kid - but in all seriousness, while I love the Paris of the South, the Argentines can be at times... charmingly neurotic. Boasting the highest rate of therapy per capita, they could be collectively seen as a ‘glass half empty’ culture.

Rethinking The Odyssey Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, As October begins, and the oranged leaves drop to the ground from bared branches, it all means one thing… Hallowe’en is getting closer! So this week, we had a look at a witch. Of course, Circe (best known from the Odyssey) is very removed from the modern day conception of witches… There’s not a black cat, pointy hat, or broomstick to be found in Homer. But then, even Circe isn’t always what we think of as Circe.

Rethinking the Dark Age and the Alphabet Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, You think you know about something… Then you discover there’s so many more layers to it. This year, we’ve had a dizzying array of perspectives on Homer’s Odyssey, from the likes of Emily Wilson to Joel Christensen and many more besides. But there’s always room for more! Now, I’m sure our regular readers are familiar with the debate surrounding the “Homeric Question”: Was Homer one man or many?

Members Homer, Hesiod, Apollonius, Ovid, Virgil, Nolan... Dear Classical Wisdom Reader, It’s fair to say Circe has been enjoying a bit of a renaissance. The powerful sorceress enjoyed a particularly visceral spotlight in Christopher Nolan’s recent film, where she quite literally strong-armed Odysseus’ men into swine, as well as the more empathetic, psychologically nuanced retelling in Madeline Miller’s bestselling novel. But which Circe are we actually talking about?

It’s a date all Classicists know… a moment history lovers mourn… the year one of the most egregious acts against philosophy took place. It is when Socrates was brought before an Athenian jury, accused of impiety, as well as corrupting the young. His defense, as conveyed by Plato, became one of the most important speeches in history. And yet…he was not successful. He lost the trial and was sentenced to death, by hemlock.

Earlier in the week, we had a special event with Angie Hobbs looking at the pre-Socratics and the very origins of Greek philosophy. Although, as you’ve probably heard us say before, really we should call them the Natural Philosophers.

It’s probably happened to you too, at some point. Not so long ago I had a very vivid dream about my teeth falling out. It’s apparently one of the most common dream experiences people can have, but it had never happened to me before… and I won’t forget it anytime soon. I could feel them crumbling and falling away in my mouth, and it all felt so real that when I woke up I had to check they were still there. And as with many common dreams, there’s a myriad of different interpretations out there.

I can’t quite put my finger on it… why aren’t the Pre-Socratics more famous? Why aren’t they the household names they so clearly deserve to be? It simply doesn’t make sense that family gatherings don’t include lively discussions about Leucippus and Democritus and their astonishing conception of atoms. Or that people don’t debate the fascinating differences between Heraclitus and Parmenides at dinner parties… And why don’t Anaxagoras and Anaximander get any love?

Where does ancient philosophy and more modern theology meet? Read on to enjoy today’s article by Van Bryan on God and Philosophy and then let me know what you think in the comments! Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to register for Wednesday’s discussion with Angie Hobbs on the Pre-Socratics. We’ll look at the immense impact these natural philosophers had in western philosophy and explore why it happened where it did...