The Classical Mind has officially reached 2,000 subscribers! To celebrate, Junius and Wesley unveil the Season 4 reading list! The method of selection is a little different this year to accommodate Wesley’s upcoming PhD studies. Stick around after the reading list is unveiled for a discussion about the purpose of literature, how reading helps us grow, a discussion on the dilemma of re-reading vs. new reads, the significance of intertextuality, and other reading related issues! Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe
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59:42
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59:42
The Aeneid by Virgil
In this episode of The Classical Mind, we take on Virgil’s Aeneid. We explore Aeneas’ journey as both refugee and empire-builder, tracing his flight from Troy, his doomed romance with Dido, his descent into the underworld, and the brutal war that led to the founding of Rome. Along the way, we wrestle with the epic’s central tensions: fate and providence, duty (pietas) and rage (furor), divine will and human cost. What kind of hero is Aeneas? Why does the poem end with vengeance and wrath? And what does Virgil want us to believe—or question—about Rome’s origins? Endnotes: * Junius: * Thebaid by Statius * "Dido's Lament" by Henry Purcell* Wesley: "White Flag" by Dido Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe
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1:06:13
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1:06:13
Peter Pan
In this episode of The Classical Mind, we take a deep dive into J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. We explore how Peter Pan has been portrayed in various adaptations, and how these adaptations differ from the novel. We discuss J.M. Barrie’s fascinating and complicated biography, offering insight into the personal experiences that influenced his writing. We also unpack the rich symbolism of Neverland, analyze Peter and Wendy’s characters, and explore major themes like masculinity, colonialism, and death. Join us as we uncover the deeper layers of Peter Pan, a story that’s far darker, haunting, and thought-provoking than most remember.Endnotes: * Wesley: * Finding Neverland (2004)* Hook (1991)* Junius: “Dear Brutus” by J.M. Barrie Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe
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1:06:25
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1:06:25
The Federalist Papers
In this episode of The Classical Mind, we dive into a curated selection of The Federalist Papers, the seminal series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to argue for the Constitution. Rather than tackling all 85 essays, we focus on a thematic collection (#s 1, 9-10, 15, 30, 39, 51, 62-63, 68, and 78) that highlights the philosophical and structural pillars of the American experiment in self-government.We begin with Hamilton’s General Introduction (No. 1), then explore how the proposed union protects against internal strife and faction (Nos. 9–10), and why the Articles of Confederation were inadequate (No. 15). We examine the central role of federal taxation (No. 30), the plan’s alignment with republican principles (No. 39), and the essential structure of checks and balances (No. 51).We also explore the three branches of government through Madison’s defense of the Senate (Nos. 62–63), Hamilton’s thoughts on presidential elections (No. 68), and his case for an independent judiciary (No. 78).Along the way, we consider the historical context: chaos under the Articles of Confederation, Enlightenment influences like Montesquieu, and why Democracy in America offers a fitting modern endnote. Join us as we revisit the founding debates that continue to shape the American constitutional imagination.Endnotes: -Hamilton -Junius: The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students by Allan Bloom -Wesley: Democracy in America by Alexis de TocquevilleOur next read will be Peter Pan. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe
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1:25:58
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1:25:58
The Journey of the Mind to God by Bonaventure (A Crossover Episode with the Sacramentalists Podcast)
In this special crossover episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast and The Classical Mind Podcast, we dive deep into St. Bonaventure’s The Journey of the Mind to God—a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that maps the soul’s ascent to divine union. Together, we explore Bonaventure’s vision of contemplation, the role of intellect and love in knowing God, and the ways in which his thought is deeply sacramental, drawing from both Scripture and the broader Catholic tradition. Join us as we discuss the structure of Bonaventure’s journey, the influence of St. Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius, and how this medieval classic speaks to modern Christians seeking a deeper, more mystical encounter with God. Whether you're new to Bonaventure or a longtime admirer, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see creation, reason, and revelation as pathways to divine illumination. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe
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