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

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into John Milton’s Paradise Lost, a towering epic of English literature that grapples with theology, cosmology, and human nature. They discuss Milton’s attempt to craft a Christian epic, his complex portrayal of Satan, and the cosmic war between good and evil. Emily offers her provocative hot take on Milton’s theological influences, questioning whether his depiction of Christ reflects heretical Arian leanings.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Milton’s Epic Invocation

01:06 Why Paradise Lost Is So Difficult (and So Worthwhile)

04:15 The Epic Tradition: How Milton Engages Homer, Vergil, and Dante

09:24 Milton’s Life, Revolutionary Ideas, and Personal Struggles

12:45 The War in Heaven: Can You Kill an Angel?

19:05 Satan’s Rebellion and Abdiel’s Heroic Defiance

23:30 The Fall of Satan and the Construction of Hell

26:40 Milton’s Cosmology: Mapping Heaven, Hell, and Earth

32:00 The Temptation of Adam and Eve

35:20 Emily’s Hot Take: Milton’s Arian Theology and Its Impact

38:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Epic Ambition: Milton situates his work within the tradition of classical epics, calling on the Holy Spirit as his muse to tell the Christian story of creation, rebellion, and redemption.
• Satan’s Complexity: Milton’s Satan is a charismatic and tragic figure, raising questions about free will, rebellion, and the nature of evil.
• The War in Heaven: Milton vividly imagines angelic conflict, complete with celestial cannons and mountains wielded as weapons, exploring the cosmic implications of rebellion.
• Milton’s Theology: The poem reflects Milton’s intellectual engagement with Christian doctrine, but Emily’s hot take questions whether his portrayal of Christ hints at Arianism.
• Themes of Freedom and Knowledge: Paradise Lost examines the tension between obedience and free will, challenging readers to consider the costs of rebellion and the pursuit of knowledge.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Milton’s Satan challenge traditional views of evil?
  Reflect on whether Satan’s charisma makes him a sympathetic or cautionary figure.
• What makes Milton’s depiction of the war in Heaven so striking?
  Explore how the poem’s vivid imagery reimagines spiritual conflict in a cosmic setting.
• How does Milton integrate theology, science, and poetry in Paradise Lost?
  Discuss his use of contemporary scientific knowledge to create a detailed cosmology.
• Why does Milton emphasize free will and obedience in his epic?
  Analyze how these themes shape the arcs of Satan, Adam, and Eve.
• Was Milton’s theology unorthodox?
  Consider Emily’s hot take on Milton’s possible Arian influences and their effect on his portrayal of Christ.

Suggested Reading

• Paradise Lost by John Milton
• A Preface to Paradise Lost by C.S. Lewis

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Shakespeare’s Henry V, a play that captures the remarkable transformation of Prince Hal into England’s greatest warrior king. They discuss the historical backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, the tension between honor and responsibility, and the timeless power of the Saint Crispin’s Day speech. Tim also delivers his fiery hot take on how Shakespeare should be taught—and why it’s time to move beyond simply reading his plays in classrooms.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Saint Crispin’s Day Speech

01:06 Henry V: From Reckless Prince to Warrior King

04:15 The Insult of the Tennis Balls and the Call to War

09:24 Historical Henry vs. Shakespeare’s Heroic King

12:15 The Betrayal: Conspiracies Against the Throne

17:10 Leadership and Discipline: Justice Among Soldiers

22:00 The Night Before Agincourt: A King Among His Men

25:35 The Saint Crispin’s Day Speech: We Few, We Happy Few

29:50 The Battle of Agincourt: Victory Against All Odds

33:10 Henry’s Marriage to Catherine: Love, Politics, and Power

36:20 Tim’s Hot Take: Stop Reading Shakespeare in Silence

41:00 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Transformation of a King: Prince Hal’s evolution into Henry V illustrates the weight of kingship and the responsibilities of leadership.
• Honor and Discipline: Henry’s strict enforcement of justice—even with his former friends—underscores the cost of leadership.
• The Power of Rhetoric: The Saint Crispin’s Day speech stands as one of the most stirring calls to courage in literary history.
• Fact vs. Fiction: Shakespeare blends historical fact with dramatic creativity, creating a heroic yet complex portrait of Henry.
• Tim’s Hot Take: Shakespeare’s plays are meant to be experienced aloud and performed, not passively read as novels.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Shakespeare depict Henry V’s transformation from a carefree prince to a responsible king?
  Reflect on his growth and the burdens of leadership.
• What makes the Saint Crispin’s Day speech so memorable?
  Discuss its themes of camaraderie, courage, and shared sacrifice.
• How does Henry balance justice and mercy?
  Examine the moral and political challenges he faces as a wartime leader.
• Why does Henry’s story still resonate today?
  Explore the enduring themes of leadership, loyalty, and the power of words.
• Should Shakespeare only be read aloud?
  Consider Tim’s argument for experiencing Shakespeare as performance art rather than static text.

Suggested Reading + Resources

• Henry V by William Shakespeare
• The Play’s The Thing Podcast (exploring all of Shakespeare’s plays)
• Performing Shakespeare in Your Classroom on ClassicalU.com

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore The Song of Roland, a medieval French epic that epitomizes bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. Set during Charlemagne’s campaigns in Spain, the story recounts Roland’s heroic last stand and the betrayal that led to his demise. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’s historical context during the Crusades, its complex portrayal of the chivalric code, and the cultural shift from feudal honor to Christian knighthood. Emily also shares her warm (but insightful) hot take on how Tolkien’s depictions of swords may have been influenced by The Song of Roland.

Show Guide

00:00 Episode Introduction and Opening Quote

01:06 The Historical Context: Charlemagne, Feudalism, and the First Crusade

06:18 The Origins and Transformation of The Song of Roland

12:45 Themes of Honor, Loyalty, and Betrayal: Roland and Ganelon

24:30 The Battle of Roncevaux Pass: A Heroic Last Stand

29:50 Roland’s Tragic Fall: Hubris, Bravery, and the Cost of War

35:20 Christianity and the Chivalric Code: A Tense Combination

42:00 Emily’s Hot Take: Tolkien and the Swords of Roland

47:01 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Roland’s Heroism and Hubris: Roland’s refusal to call for aid underscores his pride, but his courage and loyalty define the chivalric ideal.
• Betrayal by Ganelon: Ganelon’s resentment and treachery set the stage for Roland’s downfall, highlighting themes of personal and political intrigue.
• History Turned Legend: The historical Battle of Roncevaux Pass was transformed into a mythic tale of Christian heroism during the Crusades.
• The Christian Knight: The poem reflects the uneasy fusion of Christian virtues with the violent honor code of medieval knighthood.
• Echoes in Tolkien: Emily notes parallels between The Song of Roland and Tolkien’s portrayal of heroic swords and loyalty in The Lord of the Rings.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Roland embody both the virtues and flaws of the chivalric knight?
  Explore the interplay of pride, loyalty, and courage in his character.
• What role does betrayal play in The Song of Roland?
  Discuss Ganelon’s motivations and the consequences of his actions.
• How does the historical Charlemagne differ from his legendary depiction?
  Examine how the story elevates Charlemagne into a figure of myth and Christian leadership.
• What does The Song of Roland reveal about medieval attitudes toward war and religion?
  Reflect on the tension between Christian ideals and the warrior’s ethos.
• Are there parallels between Roland’s story and modern tales of heroism?
  Consider how Roland’s last stand resonates with contemporary narratives of courage and sacrifice.

Suggested Reading

• The Song of Roland (Dorothy Sayers Translation)

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh dive into Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon epic poem about a legendary hero who battles monsters and confronts a dragon. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’s origins, its tension between pagan heroism and emerging Christian values, and why its rhythmic, alliterative style is best experienced aloud. Tim shares his hot take on the best way to read Beowulf for first-time readers and why reading it aloud unlocks the poem’s full power. Along the way, they explore Beowulf’s profound influence on modern fantasy literature and its lasting appeal as a timeless tale of courage and sacrifice.

Show Guide

00:00 Episode Introduction and Opening Quote

01:06 The Legacy of Beowulf: Tolkien’s Favorite Epic

04:18 The Origins of Beowulf: Oral Tradition vs. Single Author Theory

08:03 The Power of Anglo-Saxon Poetry: Alliteration and Rhythm

12:15 The Plot of Beowulf: Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon

18:09 Heroism and Sacrifice: Beowulf’s Final Battle

21:50 Pagan Honor vs. Christian Virtues: How to Read Beowulf

25:30 Tim’s Hot Takes: Best Translation and the Importance of Reading Aloud

29:35 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Epic Heroism in Beowulf: Beowulf exemplifies strength, loyalty, and honor, yet his story carries the weight of inevitable tragedy.
• The Monsters as Symbols: Grendel, his mother, and the dragon embody deeper themes such as original sin, mortality, and greed.
• A Cultural Mashup: The poem skillfully intertwines pagan ideals of valor with Christian virtues of humility and sacrifice, capturing the cultural tensions of its time.
• Tolkien’s Beowulf Connection: J. R. R. Tolkien’s scholarship on Beowulf profoundly shaped his own writing, from The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings.
• The Oral Tradition: The rhythmic and alliterative structure of Anglo-Saxon poetry like Beowulf is best appreciated when read aloud.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Beowulf blend pagan and Christian themes?
  Reflect on the interplay between honor-bound heroism and Christian humility within the poem.
• What do the monsters in Beowulf symbolize?
  Explore their deeper meanings, from Grendel’s cursed lineage to the dragon’s greed.
• Why is Beowulf a cornerstone of English literature?
  Discuss its lasting influence on literary traditions and modern fantasy.
• How does Tolkien’s love for Beowulf inform his own work?
  Identify parallels between Beowulf and Tolkien’s creations, such as The Hobbit.
• Why is Beowulf best experienced aloud?
  Consider the role of alliteration and rhythm in Anglo-Saxon storytelling and the oral tradition.

Suggested Reading

• Beowulf (Seamus Heaney Translation)
• Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary by J.R.R. Tolkien

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore St. Augustine’s monumental work, City of God. Written in response to the Visigoth sack of Rome in 410 AD, this profound text examines the relationship between the City of Man and the City of God, offering reflections on war, virtue, and the Christian response to suffering. Emily’s hot take reframes Augustine as an early advocate for justice and equality, sparking a lively discussion about his enduring influence on Western thought.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Quote from City of God and Episode Introduction

01:09 The Sack of Rome and Its Historical Significance

03:42 Augustine’s Views on Actors and Civic Virtue

06:35 Who Was Augustine? A Biographical Overview

10:23 Augustine’s Intellectual Journey: From Manichaeism to Christianity

13:20 The Scope of City of God: Theology, Philosophy, and Just War Theory

18:08 Augustine’s Response to Pagan Critics and Christian Doubters

22:10 The End of Honor Culture: Augustine on Women and Purity

28:12 The Rape of the Sabine Women and the Foundations of Roman Violence

31:29 The City of Man vs. the City of God: Augustine’s Vision

33:30 Emily’s Hot Take: Augustine as a “Woke” Philosopher

41:02 Closing Remarks and Teaser for Upcoming Episodes

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The City of God vs. The City of Man: Augustine contrasts the eternal city, characterized by humility and peace, with the temporal city, marked by pride and ambition.
• Just War Theory: Augustine introduces the foundations of just war, grappling with the ethics of violence and the role of Christian soldiers.
• Defending the Faith: Augustine rebuts pagan claims that Christianity caused Rome’s downfall, using history, rhetoric, and theology to dismantle their arguments.
• Raising the Status of Women: Augustine’s revolutionary stance on women’s honor challenges Roman values, laying the groundwork for modern ideas of equality.
• Critique of Empire: Augustine critiques Rome’s imperial ambition, arguing that smaller, peaceful nations are preferable to empires built on constant warfare.

Questions & Discussion

• What does Augustine mean by the City of Man and the City of God?
  Discuss the implications of Augustine’s dual framework for understanding human society and divine order.
• How does Augustine’s background shape his views in City of God?
  Reflect on how his journey from a Romanized African upbringing to a Christian bishop informs his critiques of Rome and its values.
• What is the relevance of City of God to modern discussions of war and justice?
  Explore Augustine’s contributions to just war theory and how they inform ethical debates today.
• Why does Augustine reject Rome’s honor culture?
  Analyze his defense of women’s dignity and his critique of Roman violence as incompatible with Christian values.

Suggested Reading

• City of God by St. Augustine