The Troubadour Podcast

Join me for a reading and discussion of William Cowper's final poem The Castaway (1799)This is the second time I have done a reading of this poem.

An elegy is a poem written to mourn the death of someone. Here we will explore the hidden depths of this philosophic poem.Halloween is a time to face fears. Do not allow the fear of a lack of comprehension of this poem stop you from attempting to mine its meaning and beauty.

This special episode of Troubadour Talks features three members of the Literary Canon Club—a group dedicated to reading through the entire Western Canon from Homer to Rand. Book one in our group was The Iliad. In this episode, Kirk discusses various aspects of Homer's The Iliad with Molly Johnson, Marco Romero and Heather Schwarz. Even if you have never read the Iliad, this discussion will show you the value of taking time out of your busy life to read great literature.

On today’s episode of Troubadour Talks, I chat with a host of the Daily Objective, Nikos Sotirakopoulos, about the novel by Jack Schaefer “Shane.” One critic of Shane has expressed, correctly, that if you are to read one Western novel, let it be Shane. Nikos and I discuss the straightforward plot and then have a deep discussion of the characters and their relationships. As this is a frontier story, like all Westerns, we will talk about life on the frontier, how it is different from life in a fully civilised location, and most importantly, how manliness is required in these frontier lands.We also talk about the fraternity among men and how to earn the manly love of your brothers. This was an enjoyable conversation with a true brother in arms!

Today's guest is Rucka, and we will be discussing Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie and The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson. We had a great discussion of the meaning of Peter Pan and why this is such a valuable story for children and adults.What is the meaning of a boy who never grows up? What role does passion play in our lives, and do we have to give up our desires as we age? These and many other questions are ones that we discuss on this wide-ranging talk about these two great works of literary art and their role in our lives.

Today we have some Shakespeare to discuss. I have as my guest Ann Ciccolella, artistic director of Austin Shakespeare. We will be exploring the play "Macbeth", Also known within the theatre community as "The Scottish Play."Before digging into the play, Ann and I explain why it can be beneficial to read the play and even watch videos summing up the play before seeing a performance. Our conversation included a summary of Macbeth, why its themes are relevant to our lives today, and some tips on how to enjoy Shakespeare, even if his language is difficult to understand at first.

Film director & producer Chris DePretis joins Kirk to talk about the short story “Boule de Suif” by Guy de Maupassant. It is said that Maupassant is the most adapted literary writer after Shakespeare. Though this is hard to prove, because often his short stories offer a broad brush by which film directors like John Ford will use to paint. Nevertheless, his impact on world cinema is impressive. Besides Ford, many directors have adapted stories from the French short story writer, such as D.W. Griffith, Orson Welles, Jean Renoir, Kenji Mizoguchi, Jean-Luc Goddard and many more. These directors, of course, are the most influential directors in cinema. By proxy, very few people can claim as much influence on world cinema as Guy de Maupassant.In this episode, we summarize and discuss one short story in particular “Boule de Suif.” Then we discuss and compare the classic western movie Stagecoach (1939) starring John Wayne and directed by John Ford.We will be talking about the themes of both of these works as well as the way in which Ford was inspired by Maupassant.If you are a literary lover or a film buff, this episode is for you! Great art builds on great art.

Kirk and guest Luc Travers from http://www.literatureatourhouse.com/​ discuss the dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury “Fahrenheit 451.” Together they give a synopsis (from memory) of the story. Then they leap into the flames of Bradbury’s tale. In this episode, you’ll enjoy discussions on:The main characters: Guy Montag, Chief Beatty, Clarise and FaberMeaning of the storyDover Beach by Matthew ArnoldDover Beach and its meaning relative to the storyThe prescience of the storyWhat is happiness, and how do we know if we are happy?The importance of UNhappinessAnd much more!

Eric and I go over a synopsis of this play, first staged in 1897 to immense adulation. Then we discuss the meaning of the love triangle, the larger-than-life character of Cyrano and the meaning of the play. Since 1897 there has been a variety of different projections of Cyrano’s looks. This is an important feature of the play. How ugly should Cyrano be? What is it that Roxanne falls in love with?Can a beautiful man also be bright and clever and witty?What role does Cyrano’s nose play?We analyze some specific passages in the play.We take a look at the spiritual/body dichotomy in the play.The role of “success” in Cyrano.In the second half of the conversation, Eric, who is a Catholic, and I have a debate about Pride and the meaning of Cyrano’s Pride.Eric Robert Morse (ericrobertmorse.com) is a writer, publisher, painter, illustrator, web programmer, philosopher, theologian, economist, and historian. His published works include a critique of Behavioral Economics (Psychonomics), a theory of political economy (Juggernaut), two novels (Monaco and Ricky Wills It), a psychology of storytelling (The 90-Minute Effect), a history of Feminism (The Economic Theory of Sex), and a sociology of postmodern America (Tearing at the Seams).

My guest today is Jesse McCarthy Founder of MontessoriEducation.comJesse McCarthy began his career as a young assistant at a small private school in California, and now 15+ years later he leads an organization that helps parents and teachers around the world to achieve inevitable success with children — happily and without stress.We discussed The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. This book is described as a “dramatic autobiography,” and as Jesse and Kirk discuss, it is exactly that. It is not a long text. It can be read in a few hours. But it is an emotionally challenging text.Jesse and Kirk discuss Douglass’ story, his courage and character as told within the narrative. There are some ideas in this book that may be very challenging for people today to confront. Not in terms of slavery, everyone correctly abhors slavery, but rather some of the values and virtues that Douglass held as essential to the building of a good character. Jesse and Kirk discussed:the concept of “self-creation” as Douglass meant it. Slave MentalitySlave-holders mentalityFighting a system of ideasThe education of DouglassHow to educate childrenImportance of readingDifferent levels of readingAnd much much more.

What do Holden Caufield, Jerry Fletcher (Conspiracy Theory, 1997, played by Mel Gibson) and a modern conspiracy theorist have in common? On this episode of Troubadour Podcast, I discuss the style of J.D. Salinger's story about Holden Caufield's weekend adventure.This is a book that has been linked to multiple assassins, including the man who shot John Lennon. It is also a favorite among teenage boys. What can we learn from the method of Caufield's 'stream of consciousness' that can reveal an important truth about the followers of Qanon, and other modern conspiracy theorists?In this video I will outline the general plot of "The Catcher in the Rye,' what I call "the Caufield Effect,' and explain my view on why it is critical to read this book today.

On this episode of Troubadour Talks I had as a guest Timothy Sandefur, VP of Litigation at Goldwater Institute. We discussed the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles. The Oedipus is likely one of the most referenced and analyzed work of imaginative literature in the history of the world. Now, Tim and Kirk have added their voices to this endeavor!Both Kirk and Tim recommend the Robert Fagles translation of Oedipus The King. On the show, Tim refers to a performance of Greek Plays done in Greek. The director is Leonidas Loizides. You can learn more about this director in this article. Read Tim Sandefur on his personal blog at sandefur.typepad.com Also, Tim has a review of a new translation of Oedipus, coming out at The Objective Standard, Topics discussed:Why lawyers today should read literature generally and ancient Greek literature in particular.How the Ancient Greeks viewed literature's role as crucial in life.An overview of The Oedipus story.How Oedipus The King is like Batman.The universality of this story.A Character analysis of Oedipus & JocastaThe problem with "Tragic Flaws."Meaning from literature and mortalitythe psychological insight we can learn from the ancients.Do we have free-will or are we determined beings?Analysis of the style of Oedipus' crossroads speechOn reading translationsThe #DisruptTexts​ movementand much more!

Welcome to Troubadour Talks, a new show where a guest and I discuss a great work of classic literature.On today's episode I spoke with Jon Hersey of the Objective Standard Institute about Ayn Rand's fist novel, We The Living.Ayn Rand was a Russian-American novelist. Her dates are 1905-1982. She is most known for her later novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.In this episode Jon and I:*give a plot summary of the entire work*discuss the meaning of the novel's themes and plot events*discuss the main characters (Leo, Andrei and Kira) *compare and contrast the three characters*explain why 'We the Living,' written in 1934, is as relevant today as it was then*talk about why this novel is important to each of us*give reasons why everyone should read this book todayJon is editor for The Objective Standard magazine, and he is a teacher and podcaster for Objective Standard Institute. You can find out more here: https://objectivestandard.org/Kirk is host of Troubadour Talks and founder of The Literary Canon ClubIf you have ever wanted to read through the great western literary canon, now is the time. You can reserve your spot by signing up here: https://www.troubadourmag.com/literary-canon-club

in this episode I give five reasons you should consider reading Moll Flanders, an early 18th century novel written by Daniel Defoe, who is the author of Robinson Crusoe.The five reasons are:1) You get to visit 17th century London-I mention a painting, which is featured as the artwork for this episode. It is "The Egg Dance by Jan Steen."2) Meet an "immoral" woman who, nevertheless, leads an interesting life.-Here I discuss why so many people have hated Moll Flanders.3) Understand what philosophers hate about commercialism and capitalism.4) Learn about the novel as an artistic achievement5) Understand the novel as a moral institution.

Visit my magazine's website for a full analysis and commentary: https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/william-wordsworth-steals-a-boat-an-excerpt-from-the-preludeThe Boat Stealing Scene from the 1850 Prelude by William Wordsworth:One summer evening (led by her) I foundA little boat tied to a willow treeWithin a rocky cove, its usual home.Straight I unloosed her chain, and stepping inPushed from the shore. It was an act of stealthAnd troubled pleasure, nor without the voiceOf mountain-echoes did my boat move on;Leaving behind her still, on either side,Small circles glittering idly in the moon,Until they melted all into one trackOf sparkling light. But now, like one who rows,Proud of his skill, to reach a chosen pointWith an unswerving line, I fixed my viewUpon the summit of a craggy ridge,The horizon’s utmost boundary; far aboveWas nothing but the stars and the grey sky.She was an elfin pinnace; lustilyI dipped my oars into the silent lake,And, as I rose upon the stroke, my boatWent heaving through the water like a swan;When, from behind that craggy steep till thenThe horizon’s bound, a huge peak, black and huge,As if with voluntary power instinct,Upreared its head. I struck and struck again,And growing still in stature the grim shapeTowered up between me and the stars, and still,For so it seemed, with purpose of its ownAnd measured motion like a living thing,Strode after me. With trembling oars I turned,And through the silent water stole my wayBack to the covert of the willow tree;There in her mooring-place I left my bark, –And through the meadows homeward went, in graveAnd serious mood; but after I had seenThat spectacle, for many days, my brainWorked with a dim and undetermined senseOf unknown modes of being; o’er my thoughtsThere hung a darkness, call it solitudeOr blank desertion. No familiar shapesRemained, no pleasant images of trees,Of sea or sky, no colours of green fields;But huge and mighty forms, that do not liveLike living men, moved slowly through the mindBy day, and were a trouble to my dreams.

This is a poem in Blake's "Songs of Innocence & Experience: Showing The Two Contrary States of the Human Soul."This poem is ripe with Biblical images. In fact, I'd argue that the entire poem is an extended metaphor, not to be taken literally at all. Though, there is a narrative story in the poem, the action of this story must be taken metaphorically.This poem is about a 7 year old girl who becomes separated from her parents and lost in a desert. She falls asleep under a tree. Then some wild beasts (leopards and lions and tigers--OH MY!) come out of a cave and see her. They play at her feet, and then the kingly lion licks her. They then strip her naked and bring her to their cave.This is how the poem ends. Unlocking this poem is rather fun. Though, it does take a little bit of digging and a lot of knowledge of the Bible, I believe it is very worthwhile even if you are not religious or Christian. We will see how Blake both uses the imagery of Christianity while offering a criticism to his 19th century Christian readers.

O. Henry is a romantic writer, not because he writes epic tales of our medieval past, or that his stories always are love stories (though this one is!) but rather, because of his unique usage of language.He never wanted to accept that the ordinary had to be ordinary. He wanted it to be extraordinary, exotic, exciting, filled with wonder and imagination. Even a tale about a man meeting a woman on a cattle ranch can be placed in the same realm as Aeneas meeting Dido.Listen to this very simple tale, one with lessons for those of us dating today in the 21st century, and rekindle your wonder for the everyday.

This is the final reading of Benito Cereno by Herman Melville.

The primary narrative of this novella ends with this chapter. Next is a series of deposition documents describing the inquiry into the slave revolt.In the summary I condense the key events of this chapter. In the closer look, I discuss three key points that are helpful in understanding this piece by Melville.1) The core epistemological quandary I posed at the beginning, "A man who is incapable of comprehending a certain series of events is put in a situation where he must do exactly that." Throughout all three chapters we learn there are numerous reasons, Captain Delano is incapable of understanding the predicament he is in. But one that becomes explicit in this chapter is his racism.2) The mystery is revealed in a general way, and this alters the image of all the bizarre events we have seen in the story.3) the third point I make in the closer look section is a severe scrutiny of a particular image of Captain Deleno in the moments before he has his revelation regarding what has occurred on board The San Dominick.

This chapter concludes the major part of Melville's narrative. We left off at the end of chapter 2 with the shaving scene. Delano has left Cereno to confer with his slave Babo. Delano is surprised t see Babo running after him with a cut on his face. He has been cut by his master Benito Cereno, in retaliation for Babo having accidentally cut him during shaving.Next up will be a quick summary and a closer look at this chapter. That will be followed by the finale of Benito Cereno.

Here I give a quick summary of chapter 2: The Gordian Knot. Then we dive into the mind of Captain Amasa Delano.One of the key values of reading great literature is the ability to enter the consciousness of another person. This is something we are unable to do in our daily lives. In Captain Delano you may find an unnerving similarity to the way that your mind (and mine!) works.

This is my reading of chapter 2 of "Benito Cereno" by Herman Melville.Please note that this is part 4 of the series on this novella. In part One I have created an introduction for the text. In Part Two I have read Chapter 1: A Ship in Distress. In Part Three I have created a summary of Chapter 1 and a Closer Look into that chapter. This is part Four.Please note that the Chapters breakdown and titles are my own creation they are not Melville's. I have broken it down this way to make it easier to digest. Up next will be a summary of Chapter 2 as well as a closer look into the chapter.

In this episode we go over the first "Chapter" which I have titled "A Ship in Distress." Make sure you have listened to parts 1 & 2. Part 1 is my introduction to Melville's Novella. Part 2 is my reading of Chapter 1. And this part, 3, is my quick summary followed by a closer look into the chapter. I broke the Closer Look into 4 categories:1) The Odd Ship2) Aboard the Ship3) Benito Cereno - First Surmises4) Captain Amasa Delano, Whaling Ship Captain ExtraordinaireNext up will be a reading of "chapter 2."Please note these chapters are my own inventions and not Melville's. He has written this story in one non-stop narrative. I am breaking it up to help make it a little more easy too digest.

This is the first reading of the novella by Herman Melville. In part 1 I argued why this remains a classic story we should all read. It may help to listen to my introduction.Visit troubadourmag.com for a list of important terms, including nautical terms, that may help you to better understand the text.In the next episode I will give you a summary of this section of the story, and then an exploration of some key themes in the text so far.

In part one of this series I argue why it is of critical importance for all Americans to read this novella by Herman Melville before it is too late. In it are critical observations about the American spirit, and an underlying philosophy that is currently tearing us apart.Melville's story, published in 1855, is a thriller/mystery based on a true story. In 1799 an American Whaling Captain, Amasa Deleno, espies a ship in distress off the coast of Chile. As a good American, he goes to the rescue, bringing food and water. Upon boarding the ship, however, he begins to perceive odd behavior that he cannot explain.In this introduction, I describe the core epistemological quandary of this character, and of our own lives in America today.Stories should be experienced and enjoyed as stories, but nonetheless, with some guidance, I will help to show you how this classic tale can breath insight into your own daily life.

On this episode I talk with Troubadour Magazine's new Assistant Editor, Joe Dimon, about the three short stories we selected for his upcoming course on Science Fiction Literature. The three stories areNathaniel Hawthorne's "Rappaccini's Daughter"Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron,"David Griggs's "A Song Before Sunset."In this episode we discuss each short story and compare them. Whether or not you have read them,we give you an overview and explain there signifance.

In this short episode we explore the poem "Spring" by Shakespeare, from his play "Love's Labour Lost." This short two stanza poem will become clearer and clearer to you as we flesh out the four dimensions of poetry.

Kelsy Landin is a sculptor who has recently found an unexpected niche: The Nose. On the social media platform TikTok her videos have been reaching millions of young people. She had been making 60 second videos teaching different aspects of sculpting, when suddenly, one video she posted reached 4.5 million views and almost 17,000 comments.What happened? On this show we discuss that particular video (and I play the video for you) and we discuss how finding the beauty of a nose led to some very important discoveries about ourselves and art.Enjoy this conversation with Kelsy Landin.Support her work on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SculptrixBuy a bronze https://www.thesculptrix.com/sculptures/bronzeWatch her Tiktoks @ landinartWatch her on youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEotHcs3DgZQcJpOc1PsB5g

Don't just read news articles, read poetry.

Jeremiah Cobra is the author of the book—written during quarantine—"And Then he Shot his Cousin." We discussed the creative process for this story, the background and even the style and content. I had a wonderful time exploring the artist creations of Jeremiah. He's a literary artist worth reading.Purchase his book on amazon today: https://www.amazon.com/Then-He-Shot-His-Cousin/dp/0999904302/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=jeremiah+cobra+and+then+he+shot+his+cousin&qid=1591160007&sr=8-1

Shakespeare in LUST!When most of us think of Shakespeare we think of the great love poet. He is known as one of the greatest romantic love poets of all time. Yet in this poem he rails against sex. Not romantic sex of course, but sex devoid of spirit.By the end of watching this video you'll be able to talk about this poem with anyone, and you'll have a better understanding of how Shakespearean sonnets are structured and how they operate.

Ask someone the following two questions. First, "Is reading literature a good thing?" Then, "Do you read literature?" And it is amazing that everyone will answer affirmative in the former and negative in the latter.Do that with anything else in life and you will likely find a wide range of answers. "Is riding horseback a good thing?" Some will say yes and some will say no and some will be neutral. Then follow with the second question "Do you horseback ride,? And again you'll get a variety of answers. Try the question with 'working hard,' 'following your passion,' 'exercise,' 'eating healthy.'There is a huge disconnect in our society. We all know that reading literature is a Good and yet very few of us actually read literature. On today's episode I talked with Deanna Heikkinen from Pisan Academy to talk about the value of literature. Both Deanna and I share the missoin of attempting to bring literature to non-academics. At the Pisan Academy, they focus on creating curriiculum for homeschoolers.

Who remembers those magic eye illusions from the 90s? On this episode I use Shakespeare's most famous poem to illustrate how poetry is like those illusions.Poetry begins as a meaningless jumble of lines on a page, but it ends with deep meaning. As Frost puts it, a good poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom. But how can we reach that "end?" And is it truly worth it?These are some questions I discuss with you as I explore this great and short 14 line sonnet by the great bard himself.

On this episode, Luc Travers and Kirk Barbera surprise each other (and hopefully you too!) with art. They chose a topic—Memory and Loss—and each chose a work of art to surprise the other with. Luc chose a painting and Kirk chose a poem. Memory and loss are part of the human experience. Whether you're 15 or 100 how we deal with loss and how we remember that which we have lost will change. In this episode Luc and Kirk will discuss two artists conception of this topic, and explore the ways in which it impacts our lives.

Poets are thinkers. We don't see them as thinkers. But great poets have a special way of thinking that can benefit us all.In this poem we see that type of thinking at its clearest. The poem is a simple poem about two types of love, but expressed in the way that only a poet can express it.

William Blake believed there were two contrary states battling it out within each and every individual human being. Innocence and experience. The way that we developed as unique individuals was by a "dialectic process." That is, there is a Thesis (a little boy is lost) and an Anti-thesis (The little boy is found) Together they can become a synthesis, or, a new thesis.We find this process all throughout this book of poetry by Blake.In today's episode we will be covering the two aforementioned poems. They are very short but reveal much of the way that Blake believed the human soul was developed.The Little Boy LostBY WILLIAM BLAKEFather, father, where are you going O do not walk so fast.Speak father, speak to your little boy Or else I shall be lost,The night was dark no father was there The child was wet with dew.The mire was deep, & the child did weep And away the vapour flew.Little Boy FoundBy William BlakeThe little boy lost in the lonely fen,Led by the wandering light,Began to cry, but God, ever nigh,Appeared like his father, in white.He kissed the child, and by the hand led,And to his mother brought,Who in sorrow pale, through the lonely dale,Her little boy weeping sought.

In unusual times even the usual is extraordinary.

Nathaniel Branden, a psychologist and pioneer in the study of self-esteem, said that artists and creators have an above average acceptance of the condition of aloneness. We can learn a lot from artists at any time of life, including our current situation. So how did great artists deal with isolation? What can we learn from them? How can we be better in contemplating art and our own lives?Luc Travers is an art historian and art guide who has returned to the show to explore art with us. We looked at six paintings and he describes what he believes are two huge values of studying not only the painting of great artists, but their lives as well.Luc will be putting on a multi-week course on the topic of Bonding with Great Artists. This video will be a tiny taste of all that he has to offer. I highly recommend you check it out: http://www.touchingtheart.com/bonding-with-great-artists.html?fbclid=IwAR0UkDpz4BglGgvfzwbA1Xp4WplDPK3QA1VE5fTpHkhjbDlUJQdTi-1UdyM

It's great to catch up with friends during this time so Chris De Pretis chatted about what's going on in the world and of course we discussed movies. All of us react differently to external tragedies and I'm personally appreciative of Chris for cheering me up.Also hear our thoughts on the similarities between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and an old but relevant film genre.

This is the final poem in William Blake's Songs of Innocence (1789). The theme is a simple one of "God's love.' But even if you are not religious, it is a wonderfully told poem. Hear how a poet expresses discontent and comes to an understanding of this elusive idea for Christians.

Traveling is a big value for people today. It's one of the great benefits of being alive today. It is so easy and affordable to see the whole world. Often, we can travel places and see only the usual suspects. In this discussion I explore Dianne Durante's latest book "Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You love," and we discuss Dianne's work as being part of "travelogues."Travelogues don't have to be boring lectures. They can be exhilarating and exciting new ways of seeing the world. Don't just go to NYC and see the same monuments you are "supposed to see." Try, instead, an art tour. Best of all, you can do this at your own pace and in your own way.On this show Dianne and I discuss several sculptures, so you can see how simple her method is and how it helps anyone from any background enjoy art more deeply.We also discuss a little bit of poetry and some ways to work with your children in seeing new art.Special thank you to Quent Cordair Fine Art for the image of one of the sculptures they represent.*To see all the art we discuss as well as links to many great resources please visit troubadourmag.com

A prosperous prince isolates himself in his castle along with 1,000 revellers, while a plague devastates the country-side. This is the essence of this very short story by Poe.When, today, we have the King of Thailand ordering arrests for people who go outside, while he holds up in a harem with 20 women, this story seems more real than fantasy.Yet, I will be arguing there is a much deeper psychological story being told right under our eyes. It is one of fear and terror of course. Unfortunately, it will hit much closer to home than Thailand.Enjoy this discussion and reading of a masterpiece by Edgar Allan Poe.

How can we get spiritual nourishment when we are quarantined in our homes?Alexandra York's latest book "Soul Celebrations and Spiritual Snacks" can help us attain a sense of calm and serenity during this time of chaos.In this conversation we discuss the ideas in the book, such as "Secular Spirituality," we read one of her poems from the book and discuss ways that the both of us are gaining spiritual fuel in our lives during the quarantine.Even when this quarantine is over, these practices are very valuable. From picking up a rock by a beach you love, to purchasing a sculpture you love, there are practices big and small to help you have soul celebrations and spiritual snacks.Enjoy!

What happens during a quarantine when you can’t call for help?

Luc Travers and I just had a fantastic discussion about various artworks and how to look at a paintings. It often feels as though art is a special category of human activity that only a unique few can enjoy. What Luc teaches is how to "enhance those special moments in your life through the lens of art."This approach to great artwork elevates even the everyday, seemingly mundane occurrences. It also, of course, elevates even the high points, the conflicts, the struggles, the achievements, or, in other words, LIFE.On this episode we actually evaluate several pieces of artwork live. You will get to see me struggle to make sense of paintings, and I even get to introduce Luc to a new painting!This was such a fun episode and I know you will enjoy it.

On this episode I spend some time discussing my observations from talking to people during this crisis and I share my personal lessons from riding a motorcycle.Literature can provide us with models for living and for dying. This may seem like an un-important thing, but it is absolutely critical. Death frames life. Without death we would have no reason to live. Poems that show us decaying and death can provide for us insights and ways to contemplate our own mortality and how to behave at times of higher risk.Poems read:Old Man Travelling: Animal Tranquilty and Decay, A Sketchby William WordsworthThe Death of Simoeisios (excerpt from The Iliad)Iliad, Book 4, lines 473-489 (trans. Seth Schein)

I had a great time talking with C Bradley Thompson about his latest book "America's Revolutionary Mind: A Moral History of The American Revolution and the Declaration That Defined it." We also had a wide ranging discussion about how Americans have lost their American minds and ways we can re-ignite the fire of liberty.Yes we did discuss #covid19, but from the perspective of how our founders viewed the role and nature of government.Bradley Thompson is a Professor of Political Science at Clemson University, where he teaches political philosophy. He is also the Executive Director of the Clemson Institute for the Study Capitalism and the founder of the Lyceum Scholars Program.

You know him as the youtube sensation taking over the minds of young people like a ... Well I won't talk like that right now. He's Rucka Rucka Ali.We discussed how we are dealing with lock downs as well as how Objectivism helps us laymen interpret and act based on the current state of affairs.Later in the discussion we get into a variety of topics including what we are reading now (you'll never guess!) the role of literature at a time like this, the creative process, and developing an independent life.This was an absolute pleasurable conversation for me and I hope you enjoy it as well.

For the Romantics Dreams played a very special role in our lives. It was an indication of our imaginative capacities to reach into other realms. In this poem we experience a dream that Blake had about an ant that becomes isolated from its community. We learn more about Blakes view of imagination, the self, innocence and the loss of innocence in "A Dream."

Poe was a proponent of a "single unified effect" in his fiction work. Some emotion that all of the parts of the story lead up to and create.In The Cask of Amontillado we can experience the fear of unknown death by the character Fortunato. Or we can experience the fear of our own potential for violence in the narrator Montressor. Which one do you experience?

How should we perceive children? Are children born with sin as the Calvinists believed? Do infants retain a memory of God as some Romantics believed? Are children, as Rousseau taught, naturally good with an innate ability to learn?In these two poems we will explore how William Blake, a Romantic poet, gave voice to the voiceless infants. We will also discuss why these poems are useless by themselves but profound within the context of The Songs of Innocence and Experience.