Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh unpack Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, a foundational text in military theory. They explore Clausewitz’s revolutionary ideas on the relationship between war and politics, his emphasis on total commitment in warfare, and the enduring relevance of his theories. The hosts also examine how Clausewitz’s firsthand experiences fighting Napoleon shaped his philosophy and discuss the critical role of his wife, Marie von Brühl, in shaping his work. Tim shares a provocative hot take, arguing that Clausewitz’s lack of classical education may have been the key to his groundbreaking view of war.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

01:06 Who Was Carl von Clausewitz? Prussian Soldier Turned Military Theorist

04:15 The French Revolution and Napoleon’s Impact on Warfare

09:24 Clausewitz’s Battlefield Experience and Lifelong Study of War

14:45 Marie von Brühl: The Woman Behind On War

18:09 Defining War: The Nature of Violence and the Pursuit of Political Goals

23:30 War as a Continuation of Politics by Other Means

29:50 The Problem of "Kindhearted" Warfare and the Need for Total Commitment

35:20 Clausewitz vs. Modern Wars: Vietnam and the Costs of Limited Engagement

40:00 Tim’s Hot Take: How Skipping the Classics Shaped Clausewitz’s Theory

45:00 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• War as Politics by Other Means: Clausewitz’s assertion that war is an extension of political policy underscores the inseparable link between military strategy and statecraft.
• The Brutality of Total War: Clausewitz argued that war demands the complete destruction of the enemy’s will to fight, cautioning against strategies that prolong conflict through partial measures.
• Art or Science?: Rejecting Enlightenment ideals, Clausewitz viewed war as an art shaped by human behavior rather than a science governed by fixed laws.
• The Fog of War: His concept of the "fog of war" highlights the chaos and uncertainty inherent in battle, a key insight derived from his own military experience.
• Modern Implications: Clausewitz’s ideas continue to influence military strategy, particularly in understanding the dynamics of limited engagements like the Vietnam War.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Clausewitz’s definition of war challenge traditional views of warfare?
  Explore his argument that war is inherently violent and directly tied to political objectives.
• Why does Clausewitz warn against “kindhearted” warfare?
  Discuss how partial or limited measures in war can lead to prolonged and more devastating conflicts.
• How does Clausewitz’s rejection of scientific warfare differ from Enlightenment thinking?
  Reflect on his view of war as chaotic and unsystematic, in contrast to Enlightenment efforts to rationalize human conflict.
• What modern conflicts illustrate Clausewitz’s theory?
  Analyze how his ideas apply to Vietnam and other contemporary wars, particularly the concept of total commitment.
• Was Clausewitz’s lack of classical education an advantage or a disadvantage?
  Debate Tim’s hot take on how Clausewitz’s independence from traditional classical training may have sharpened his unique perspective on war.

Suggested Reading

• On War by Carl von Clausewitz

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle Leo Tolstoy’s monumental War and Peace. They explore how Tolstoy weaves the lives of Russian aristocrats with the chaos of Napoleon’s invasion, balancing themes of love, honor, fate, and the unpredictability of war. Tim delivers a bold hot take, arguing that Tolstoy belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Western literature and shares a practical strategy to help readers conquer this epic masterpiece.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Quote and Episode Introduction

01:06 Why War and Peace Is Worth the Read (Despite Its Length)

04:15 Is War and Peace an Epic? (And Who Is the Hero?)

09:24 Russia vs. Europe: Tolstoy’s Cultural Commentary

12:45 Pierre Bezukhov: The Awkward Hero

18:09 Prince Andrei and Natasha Rostov: Duty, Desire, and Growth

23:30 General Kutuzov: The Wisdom of Patience in War

29:50 The Philosophy of History: Tolstoy’s Breaks in the Narrative

36:20 The Russian Soul vs. Enlightenment Rationality

41:00 Tim’s Hot Take: Tolstoy on the Mount Rushmore of Literature

47:01 Closing Remarks and Reading Challenge

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Life Amid War: Tolstoy masterfully captures the ordinary rhythms of life against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion, blending intimate human drama with sweeping historical events.
• Pierre Bezukhov, The Relatable Hero: Pierre’s awkwardness, existential questions, and search for meaning make him one of literature’s most human protagonists.
• Kutuzov’s Wisdom: General Kutuzov embodies the power of patience, showing that restraint and non-action can outmaneuver the Enlightenment ideal of rational warfare.
• The Philosophy of History: Tolstoy critiques the “great man” theory, arguing that history is driven by countless small, unpredictable factors rather than individual genius.
• Russia’s Identity Crisis: The novel explores the tension between Russian tradition and European influence, asking whether Russia should embrace Western ideals or remain true to its unique culture.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Tolstoy blur the line between fiction and history in War and Peace?
  Reflect on how historical figures like Napoleon interact with fictional characters like Pierre and Andrei.
• What makes Pierre Bezukhov a compelling hero?
  Discuss how Pierre’s internal struggles reflect broader themes of fate, free will, and the search for meaning.
• How does General Kutuzov’s strategy challenge Enlightenment ideals about war?
  Explore how patience and non-action serve as effective tactics against Napoleon’s forces.
• Why does Tolstoy interrupt the narrative with essays on history and free will?
  Analyze how these philosophical interludes deepen the reader’s understanding of the novel’s themes.
• Is Tolstoy correct in criticizing the “great man” theory of history?
  Debate whether history is shaped more by individuals or collective forces.

Suggested Reading

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (Constance Garnett or Pevear & Volokhonsky translations)
• “Wisdom and Folly in War and Peace” (First Things article)

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh shift their focus to the depiction of war in art and music. They explore how Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and iconic paintings like Napoleon Crossing the Alps and Washington Crossing the Delaware capture the complexities of heroism, leadership, and the costs of war. The conversation unpacks how the Enlightenment and Romantic eras shaped these artistic works and their depictions of war. Emily’s hot take questions whether liberal democracies can balance the need for heroic figures with their commitment to equality and the rule of law.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and the Challenge of Depicting War in Art

04:15 The Enlightenment and the Absence of War Literature in the 18th Century

09:24 Beethoven’s Eroica: From Dedication to Disillusionment

18:09 Napoleon in Art: David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps

27:56 Washington as the Anti-Napoleon: Washington Crossing the Delaware

34:11 Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture: A Celebration of Russian Resilience

42:00 Goya’s The Third of May: The Brutality of War on the Common Man

50:10 Emily’s Hot Take: The Heroic Ideal and Liberal Democracies

55:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Beethoven’s Disillusionment with Napoleon: The Eroica Symphony began as a tribute to Napoleon’s leadership but became a reflection of disillusionment after Napoleon declared himself emperor.
• Napoleon vs. Washington in Art: Jacques-Louis David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps glorifies a solitary and triumphant figure, while Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware emphasizes collective effort and duty.
• Tchaikovsky’s Musical Nationalism: The 1812 Overture uses motifs like the French national anthem and a Russian hymn to narrate Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia.
• The Brutality of War: Goya’s The Third of May offers a harrowing depiction of the human cost of war, contrasting with more glorified portrayals.
• Heroism in Liberal Democracies: Emily argues that modern democratic values complicate the creation of heroic figures, as equality and rule of law clash with the concept of larger-than-life leaders.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Beethoven’s Eroica reflect the shift from Enlightenment ideals to Romantic individualism?
  Analyze how Beethoven’s relationship with Napoleon influenced the symphony’s themes of heroism and disillusionment.
• What are the differences between Napoleon and Washington in art?
  Explore how their depictions serve distinct political and cultural narratives.
• How does Tchaikovsky musically convey the story of Napoleon’s defeat in Russia?
  Discuss the use of nationalistic and religious motifs in the 1812 Overture.
• What does Goya’s The Third of May reveal about the personal toll of war?
  Consider how the painting portrays the contrast between power and vulnerability.
• Can liberal democracies produce heroic figures?
  Reflect on the tension between democratic values and the desire for inspiring leaders.

Suggested Viewing & Listening

• 
  Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony
• Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture
• Jacques-Louis David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps
• Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware
• Francisco Goya’s The Third of May 1808
• The Battle of Borodino painting