Ancient World
193 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 10 ratingsThe Ancient World Podcast is about the deep Treasures of the Past, the Greek Tradition, the Biblical Stories, the Roman Empire and the Great Rebirth of the Florentine Renaissance. Enjoy!
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Episodes
Episode 42 - Reason, Emotion and Music.
February 15, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MBA reflection on the timeless balance and sometimes contradiction between reason and emotion, in human nature and also in contrasting strains of history. The quote was the following: "Emotions of any kind can be evoked by melody and rhythm; therefore by music a man becomes accustomed to feeling the right emotions; music has thus the power to form character, and the various kinds of music based on various modes may be distinguished by their effects on character. - Aristotle Advertising In...
Episode 41 - Ancient World as inspiration for Writing
February 13, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 3.9 MBIn this episode we'll talk about the Ancient World as inspiration for writing, and our new podcast devoted to this writing here: https://apple.co/2GG7Go6. The excerpt, as a person enters a new life - through the discovery of the deeper history, is the following; "A little book could change your life, or change the direction of your life, and give you gifts that might stay with you forever. I looked at the front cover, and then slowly opened the first page. The Divine Comedy. I was expectin...
Episode 40 - The Treasures of the Ancient World
February 11, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 4.49 MBA quick review of the last 40 episodes, and reflections on why and how the Ancient World is a treasure trove for our understanding of the world, and a deep source for inspiration. Today's quote is: "I care not where my body may take me as long as my soul is embarked on a meaningful journey." - Dante Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 39 - Canto 7 and 8, at the gate of City of Dis, in the Inferno.
February 09, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBAfter presenting three more of the deadly sins - avarice, sloth and wrath, Dante and Virgil reach the gates of the City of Dis which marks the transition from Upper to Lower Hell in the Inferno. They try to get in, but: Our adversaries slammed the heavy gates in my lord's face, and he stood there outside Verse 115-116, Canto VIII. But then someone is coming, already come past the main gate in Canto III, where all hope shall be left behind. This insolence of theirs is nothing new; ...
Episode 38 - Canto 5 and 6, Inferno
February 08, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.26 MBIn this episode (Part 1 of 2 from Upper Hell), we are going through the rings of Lust, and of Gluttony. We are introduced to the seven cardinal sins in the catholic faith; Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 36 - Inferno, Canto 3
February 07, 2019 05:00 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MBIn this iconic Canto of the first book, Dante and Virgil passes through the gate of Inferno, which has the following inscription: I AM THE WAY INTO THE DOLEFUL CITY, I AM THE WAY INTO ETERNAL GRIEF, I AM THE WAY TO A FORSAKEN RACE. JUSTICE IT WAS THAT MOVED MY GREAT CREATOR; DIVINE OMNIPOTENCE CREATED ME, AND HIGHEST WISDOM JOINED WITH PRIMAL LOVE. BEFORE ME NOTHING BUT ETERNAL THINGS WERE MADE, AND I SHALL LAST ETERNALLY. ABANDON EVERY HOPE, ALL YOU WHO ENTER. Canto III, verse 1-9...
Episode 37 - Canto 4, and reflections on the scope of the Comedy.
February 07, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MBIn this episode we continue the journey through the first book, and reflect on the framing of Dante waking up in the first circle of the Inferno, Limbo. He sees the souls lost there, and then meets the Greek philosophers including Aristotle. (More detail on this is already in Episode 32 & 33 on this podcast!) Here is the opening, as Dante "wakes up" to the journey inside the Inferno: A heavy clap of thunder! I awoke from the deep sleep that drugged my mind-startled, the way one is wh...
Episode 34 - Inferno Canto 1
February 06, 2019 05:00 - 8 minutes - 7.67 MBThe opening poem of the Comedy is in some ways a metaphor for the whole work of three Volumes, with the journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. These lines describes the concept of the hill (mount purgatory) and the rays of light, from Paradise: I raised my head and saw the hilltop shawled in morning rays of light sent from the planet that leads men straight ahead on every road. Canto I, verse 16-18 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://r...
Episode 35 - Inferno, Canto 2
February 06, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.08 MBWe continue our journey from the beginning of the Comedy, and in this episode we look at Canto 2 where Dante is convinced by his guide Virgil that he can start this endeavor with support from the Heavens. This warms his heart, and he finds courage in the following passage: As little flowers from the frosty night are closed and limp, and when the sun shines down on them, they rise to open on their stem, my wilted strength began to bloom within me Verse 127-131. Advertising Inquiries...
Episode 33 - Limbo, Purgatory, and a question from a listener!
February 05, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MBAfter the last episode where Dante meets Aristotle in Limbo, of Inferno - a listener asked if there is any way of escaping Limbo (the place for the unbaptized, thus also everyone living before the birth of Christ). The Pilgrim asks Virgil the very same question in verse 49-50 of Canto IV: "did any ever leave here, through his merit or with another's help, and go to bliss?" The key is the the second part, "with another's help". Virgil explains that it did happen once, as Christ descended ...
Episode 31 - Aristotle on Divinity, and First Mover
February 04, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBIn this episode we go to one of the deepest levels of Aristotelian thinking, the consideration of the concept of Divinity. He describes this as the "First Mover" of all things, and also as "thinking in itself", thought contemplating itself. The passage on thought is the following: "For the actuality of thought is life, and God is that actuality; and God’s essential actuality is life most good and eternal. We say therefore that God is a living being, eternal, most good, so that life and ...
Episode 32 - Dante on Aristotle, and our new Newsletter!
February 04, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MBIn this episode we briefly comment on the appearence of Aristotle in the Comedy, in Canto IV of the Inferno, and In Canto IV, Limbo, Dante meets the Philosopher Aristotle: I saw the master sage of those who know, sitting with his philosophic family. All gaze at him, all pay their homage to him; and there I saw both Socrates and Plato, each closer to his side than any other. In Italian: vidi ’l maestro di color che sanno seder tra filosofica famiglia. Tutti lo miran, tu...
Episode 30 - Metaphysics, and the First Philosophy.
February 01, 2019 05:00 - 9 minutes - 8.66 MBIn this episode we look further into Aristotle's work on "First Philosophy", the Metaphysics. This is in some ways one of the most complicated and abstract of his complete works, and the inquiries go very deep into thinking and the fundamental first questions about the world. Book/Chapter 9 of the Metaphysics, Theta, is devoted to the topic of potential and actuality - and can be used as a starting point for wide ranging reflections on practical choices in your every day life, and how to ...
Episode 29 - Ethics, and reaching Excellence
January 31, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 3.65 MBFrom the opening of Book (Chapter) II of the Nicomachean Ethics: "Excellence, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual excellence in the main owes both its birth and its growth to teaching (for which reason it requires experience and time), while moral excellence comes about as a result of habit." - Aristotle. Plus reflections on the practical approach of Aristotle in general, and the positive outlook that how what you do becomes ones habits (and who you are), a...
Episode 28 - Canto XVIII. Dante in the Sphere of Jupiter.
January 30, 2019 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.08 MBIn this episode we look at one of the most beautiful passages in the Paradise, where the Pilgrim reaches the sixth sphere of the Heavens: I saw when I turned round: before my eyes there was the pure white of the temperate star, the sixth, that had received me in its glow; Canto XVIII, 67-69. And this wraps up the commentary on the Paradise, for now! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 27 - Travel tips, with Ravenna. Mosaics and Dante's Tomb
January 30, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MBA brief introduction to a partly hidden gem in Italy, the small town of Ravenna. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 26 - Aristotle, on Actions and Ethics
January 29, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MBA very brief opener to the work "Ethics" by Aristotle. A main point is that happiness is in accordance to the "virtuous activity of the soul", with an emphasis on the on-going activity, and the deep importance of one's actions, as in the quote: "We are what we repeatedly do." Which also opens up for the building of good character, creating a life, and also changing a life - through action. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/pr...
Episode 25 - Canto XXII, seeing the Earth in a new Perspective
January 28, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.9 MBIn the 22nd Canto of Paradise, Dante the Pilgrim discovers what the thunderous cry ("the sound of which no one on earth has heard") from the previous Canto meant. He also has a symbolic vision of his own spiritual growth through looking down at the Earth, from the 8th sphere of Paradise: My vision travelled back through all the spheres, through seven heavens, and then I saw our globe; it made me smile, it looked so paltry there. Canto XXII, 133-135. Advertising Inquiries:...
Episode 24 - Canto XVII, Paradise. Dante's thoughts on his Comedy.
January 25, 2019 05:00 - 9 minutes - 8.87 MBIn the 17th Canto of Paradise, in the fifth sphere of Mars, Dante meets one of his ancestors who tells him about his future of exile and writing the big work of the Comedy. Dante is first filled with doubts, but is then convinced that he has to be truthful, and use real historical people to create the effect of true nutrition for the future readers. His ancestor tells him: "Though when your words are taken in at first they may taste bitter, but once well-digested they will becom...
Episode 23 - Inspiration, as Flames or Growing Trees
January 24, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 6.37 MBIn this episode we talk about the contrasts between two different quotes on the same timeless theme, small beginnings and great endeavors. The first is a Greek quote from Episode 12; "From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow." - Aeschylus And the more passionate Italian version is: "From a little spark may burst a flame." - Dante We also discuss how this contrast shows the beauty and wealth of a variety of expressions on knowledge and experience, and the treasures of the Anci...
Episode 22 - Aristotle Complete Works
January 24, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 3.72 MBA brief introduction to the complete works of Aristotle, the language style, and where to start or approach this foundational set of books - in Greek Philosophy. Recommended editions for the texts: "The Complete Works of Aristotle" Edited by Jonathan Barnes, One Volume Digital Edition. A great version for short introductions to each part (very helpful): "Aristotle Complete Works" by Delphi Classics. The excerpt, the opening of "Physics": "When the objects of an inquiry, in a...
Episode 21 - Overview Dante, and the early spark of Rebirth
January 23, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 7.03 MBA brief look at the introduction and overview of Dante in the brilliant version from Penguin Classics by Mark Musa. Also with commentary and reflection as to why this work is important and relevant today, as both inspiration, support and deep learning about the world and human nature. "The Divine Comedy is one man's vision of the state of souls after death written with the purpose of saving all mankind." - Mark Musa. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Ou...
Episode 20 - Travels in The Ancient World
January 22, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.81 MBA first introduction to traveling in Italy and experiencing physically some of the environment of the Ancient World, mainly with Rome and the rebirth in Florence - and also the little village Vinci which is the birthplace of Leonardo. A journey into the timelessness of this world - with its beauty and wisdom! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 19 - Dante, Aristotle on the Process of Learning, Growth
January 21, 2019 05:00 - 4 minutes - 4.06 MBIn the episode we look at and compare two different quotes that address the nature of learning, and the process of growth. One is from Dante : "The path to paradise begins in hell." The other, more concrete about education is Aristotle: "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." Both reminders and inspiration for approaching new challenges in life and finding support in understanding the necessary beginnings of the process, that leads to great things! Advertising...
Episode 18 - Aristotle, History and growing Podcast
January 19, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MBReflections on the long history of the Ancient World, and the immediacy of the wisdom in Greek philosophy from 2.500 years ago. Today's quotes are: "The energy of the mind is the essence of life." "We are what we repeatedly do... excellence, therefore, is not just an act, but a habit, and life is not just a series of events, but an ongoing process of self-definition." And "The soul never thinks without a picture." And please contact us at [email protected] for questions or co...
Episode 17 - Aristotle on Education, and Knowledge
January 17, 2019 05:00 - 7 minutes - 6.62 MBReflection and commentary on Aristotle's view on knowledge and education. "The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself, the most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery. To know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, you must not be afraid to be alone. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." And a practical advice: "Be a free thinker and don't accept everything you hear as truth. Be critical and evaluate what you ...
Episode 16 - Socrates and Dialogue as an Art of Life
January 15, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 4.74 MBReflection on the dialogue as an institution in Ancient Greece, as well as a modern day gift of adventure, exploration and learning about oneself and the world. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 15 - Botticelli and Renaissance Painting
January 14, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 3.2 MBHow the Renaissance is an opener and the rebirth of the Ancient World, with the examples of Botticelli and his iconic "Birth of Venus" and "Primavera". Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 14 - Epicurus, and practical thinking
January 11, 2019 05:00 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBReflections on two great quotes from the Greek philosopher Epicurus; "There is no such thing as justice in the abstract; it is merely a compact between men." - Epicurus "If enough is too little, nothing is enough" (paraphrased) - Epicurus Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 13 - Canto I from Paradise
January 10, 2019 05:00 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MBIn this episode we look at the opening line of the first song of the Paradise, and how the subject of the book is hard to describe fully with words, due to its nature. Dante will however, he tells us, do his best to tell the story of his travels into the heavens - as a metaphor for love, emotional life, and the spiritual inner self. The glory of the One Who moves all things penetrates all the universe, reflecting in one part more and in another less. I have been in His brightest shin...
Episode 12 - From a Small Seed
January 09, 2019 05:00 - 2 minutes - 2.09 MBBrief reflection on an ancient proverb about small beginnings, and growth. "From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow." - Aeschylus, Greek Philosopher Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 11 - At the Entrance of Paradise
January 08, 2019 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.87 MBWhere Dante warns the reader that there might be no return, from what we will discover in the journey towards Paradise. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 10 - Purgatory, as Virgil leaves
January 06, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.33 MBIn Episode 10 we look at the Canto 27 from Dante's Purgatory, where the main person (Dante the Pilgrim) reaches the point where his guide Virgil (symbol of rationality and world history) leaves him, and crowns him "Lord of himself". This implies a big turning point in the whole work, in the development of the Pilgrim, and a different approach to managing his own nature and life. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 9 - A Landscape of Cultures
January 05, 2019 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.45 MBIn this episode we briefly touch upon the breadth and variety of experience in the Ancient World, and what we can learn from it. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 8 - Knowledge of the Myths
January 03, 2019 13:00 - 4 minutes - 4.08 MBIn this episode we look at the "Tower of Babel" as example of a deep myth, and different interpretations of the "punishments" of the Gods. We also discuss how the embedded knowledge and wisdom in these stories could be hard to define precisely in a more rational description and representation. This hidden wisdom might be rediscovered again and again, as the times are always changing in the longer time frame and there are centuries of accumulated experience in these old stories. Advertisi...
Episode 7 - Greek Words and Origins
January 02, 2019 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBWhere do the words "economy", "oxymoron" and "planet" come from? We'll look into the origins and their precise meanings. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 6 - Reflections on The Ancient World
December 28, 2018 16:00 - 4 minutes - 3.9 MBA brief reflection on why studying and absorbing the Ancient World is a gift for the mind - and for life. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Greek Temples - and Optic Illusions
December 28, 2018 14:00 - 5 minutes - 4.99 MBA short guide to fully intact temples in Italy, and how the Greek used mathematics to construct perfect art and geometry, to the human eye. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Marcus Aurelius on Happiness
December 27, 2018 23:00 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MBIn Episode 4 we discuss a quote from Marcus Aurelius on how to be happy, and the power we have to influence this. "Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." - Aurelius. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Lost in a Dark Forest
December 27, 2018 18:00 - 2 minutes - 2.61 MBThe opening verse of Dante's Comedy - as a portal to the Ancient World, and the deep. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Episode 2 - Aristotle and the Big Bang
December 26, 2018 18:00 - 3 minutes - 3.24 MBHow Aristotle used logic to conclude the universe started with a first mover, that has no size. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Aristotle - Definition of Nature
December 26, 2018 15:00 - 2 minutes - 2.61 MBWe start out with a clarification of the term "nature" in the works of Aristotle. It is a very deep definition, both in the subject matter and in reference to how our minds work in conceptualizing things. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Intro
December 25, 2018 15:00 - 14 seconds - 232 KBSupport the show Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy