Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, exploring the contrasting characters of Alcibiades, the charming yet treacherous Athenian, and Coriolanus, the unyielding Roman general. Through their discussion, the hosts unpack Plutarch’s moral philosophy, the timeless appeal of his storytelling, and the lessons…
Read MoreDescription In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda analyze Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a foundational text in strategic thought. Written during China’s Zhou Dynasty, the book offers timeless insights into warfare, leadership, and human conflict. The hosts discuss Sun Tzu’s emphasis on victory without battle, his…
Read MoreDescription In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh examine Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars, an essential work of Latin literature that chronicles Caesar’s military campaigns in Gaul. The hosts discuss Caesar’s writing style, the strategic brilliance behind his conquests, and the controversies surrounding his actions, including accusations of genocide….
Read MoreDescription In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore Prudentius’ Psychomachia (“The Battle of the Soul”). This groundbreaking Christian allegorical poem reimagines heroism as a spiritual struggle. Written in the late fourth century, the poem depicts virtues and vices as warriors battling within the human soul. Tim and…
Read MoreDescription In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda delve into Virgil’s Aeneid, a cornerstone of Roman literature. They discuss Aeneas as the embodiment of Roman virtue, the conflict between personal desires and duty, and the dual message of the epic as both a tribute to Roman greatness and…
Read MoreDescription In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda dive into Pericles’ Funeral Oration as recorded by Thucydides in The Peloponnesian War. They discuss the speech’s celebration of Athenian democracy, its striking contrast to Spartan culture, and its lessons on leadership and sacrifice. Tim delivers his hot take, claiming…
Read MoreDescription In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, hosts Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War, examining the legendary conflict between Athens and Sparta. They delve into Thucydides’ historical methodology, the moral lessons embedded in his accounts, and his views on leadership and power. Key topics include the differences between…
Read MoreDescription In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh dive into the often-overlooked Book of Judges, examining its powerful themes of faith, conflict, and the emergence of monotheism. Through an engaging discussion, they explore the book’s depiction of Israel’s cycle of moral descent, the role of unique leaders called…
Read MoreDescription In this debut episode of ‘Hot Takes from the Classics,’ hosts Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda delve into one of the greatest war epics ever written, Homer’s Iliad. They discuss the themes of honor, the brutality of war, the intoxicating nature of battle, and the challenges of understanding ancient texts. The episode explores different…
Read MoreHot Takes on the Classics is no dusty, academic approach to great books. It’s a gossipy, exciting discussion about the best literature ever written. Hosted by Tim and Emily, who are veteran teachers and long-time friends, Hot Takes is packed with playful debate, meaningful speculation, and hearty laughs. (You may also enjoy Tim’s “The Play’s…
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