Friday, 31 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Economy > Bearing Witness to War – Econlib
Economy

Bearing Witness to War – Econlib

Last updated: October 30, 2024 12:39 pm
Share
Bearing Witness to War – Econlib
SHARE

In a world where ancient texts are often dismissed as irrelevant or obsolete, Claudia Hauer stands as a staunch advocate for the enduring value of classical literature. As a faculty member at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, Hauer has dedicated her career to teaching students the timeless lessons contained within epic poems and philosophical treatises from over two millennia ago.

In a recent episode of EconTalk, host Russ Roberts delved into a discussion with Hauer about the importance of reading classical texts, particularly focusing on her book “Strategic Humanism: Lessons on Leadership from the Ancient Greeks.” Drawing on her experience teaching at both the U.S. Air Force Academy and St. John’s College, Hauer emphasized the relevance of ancient Greek literature to contemporary issues of war, education, and leadership.

Hauer’s approach to teaching classical texts is both pragmatic and philosophical. She challenges her students, whether they are aspiring military officers or liberal arts enthusiasts, to find value in the narratives of ancient poets like Homer. Through engaging with these texts, Hauer argues, students can gain insights into the complexities of human nature, the dynamics of power and conflict, and the enduring quest for excellence.

One of the key concepts that Hauer explores with her students is the Greek notion of technê, or craft. This concept, rooted in the idea of achieving excellence in a particular domain, serves as a framework for understanding how ancient texts can offer practical wisdom for modern readers. By studying the experiences of characters like Achilles in the Iliad, students can glean timeless lessons about loyalty, grief, and the destructive cycles of war.

See also  My Weekly Reading for December 15, 2024

Beyond the practical lessons of technê, Hauer also invites her students to contemplate the broader philosophical implications of classical literature. Drawing on the works of Plato and Aristotle, she encourages readers to explore questions of virtue, knowledge, and the nature of human existence. Through engaging with these foundational texts, Hauer argues, students can develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be human and how to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

In a society increasingly dominated by technology and digital communication, Hauer’s advocacy for the humanities serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of classical education. By delving into the rich tapestry of ancient Greek literature, students can not only gain practical insights into leadership and war but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the timeless themes and universal truths that have shaped human civilization for centuries. Wisdom plays a crucial role in elevating human experience, but it is also important to acknowledge the value of simple experience in our lives. As Aristotle pointed out, experience can sometimes be more practical and beneficial than theoretical knowledge alone. This concept has been a subject of philosophical discussions for centuries, with the Greeks delving into the complexities of practical knowledge in their works.

The Greeks had a profound understanding of the practical implications of knowledge, distinguishing between contemplative wisdom and practical expertise. Their approach to acquiring knowledge offers valuable lessons for modern education systems. They emphasized the importance of hands-on skills, such as carpentry, athletics, medicine, and art, in parallel with the practice of virtue.

See also  Mamdani’s NYC victory leaves Wall Street 'alarmed' and 'depressed'

In today’s world, the humanities are often seen as impractical due to their lack of direct connection to job training. However, the ancient Greeks would have viewed them as a form of technê, similar to professional fields like medicine and the military. The study of humanities can benefit greatly from the insights of ancient Greek knowledge transmission, fostering a deeper understanding of humanistic disciplines.

Dr. Hauer’s decision to have her Air Force Academy students read the Iliad, a poem about war, raises questions about the relevance of ancient texts to modern audiences. The Iliad, along with the Odyssey, offers profound insights into human nature and the complexities of life, making them timeless pieces of literature.

Overall, the Greeks’ emphasis on practical knowledge and the humanities as forms of technê provides valuable lessons for contemporary education and personal growth. By drawing parallels between ancient wisdom and modern practices, we can enrich our understanding of the world and our place within it.

For further exploration of these topics, resources like the Online Library of Liberty and essays by scholars like Roosevelt Montás and Josiah Osgood offer valuable insights into the relevance of ancient Greek knowledge in today’s world. By embracing the wisdom of the past, we can enhance our present and shape a more enlightened future for generations to come.

Nancy Vander Veer, with her background in Classics and experience in teaching and fundraising, provides a unique perspective on the enduring significance of ancient Greek wisdom in our modern society. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in European Social and Economic History, she continues to explore the timeless relevance of classical knowledge in shaping our world today.

See also  Uber brings back chief operating officer role as Khosrowshahi loosens grip
TAGGED:BearingEconlibWarwitness
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Best 2024-25 Competitions for Students in Grades K-12 Best 2024-25 Competitions for Students in Grades K-12
Next Article Tactically for Rohit Sharma, this Test match wasn’t his greatest Tactically for Rohit Sharma, this Test match wasn’t his greatest
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Stark contrast between conferences | Otago Daily Times Online News

Political parties always strive to present their best image at conferences, but it can be…

May 4, 2025

Emails reveal nixed hiring of Connor Stalions, ex-Michigan staffer accused of sign-stealing

William McMichael, the coach at Detroit’s Mumford High School, found himself in the spotlight after…

August 25, 2024

ChatGPT Studio Ghibli Image Generation Now Available To Free Users

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced that ChatGPT's image generation feature is now accessible to…

March 31, 2025

Trump repeals America’s first-ever tax on greenhouse gases

The recent repeal of the methane fee by Republicans in the House and Senate, signed…

March 17, 2025

REPORT: Puerto Rico Joke Hyped by Dems and Media Has Caused ‘ZERO CHANGE’ Among Pennsylvania Hispanics |

The recent controversy surrounding a joke about Puerto Rico made at Trump’s Madison Square Garden…

October 29, 2024

You Might Also Like

Market analysts react to Trump-Xi meet
Economy

Market analysts react to Trump-Xi meet

October 31, 2025
29 truck carrier files Chapter 11
Economy

29 truck carrier files Chapter 11

October 31, 2025
Trust Government Statistics, Not Government
Economy

Trust Government Statistics, Not Government

October 31, 2025
Jefferies Raises BP Price Target to 420 GBp, Maintains Hold Rating
Economy

Jefferies Raises BP Price Target to 420 GBp, Maintains Hold Rating

October 31, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?