The classics have been in the news recently—and not always in a good way. From colleges shutting down classics departments as students flock to more “practical” majors to criticisms that books written by “dead white men” cannot be separated from the legacies of slavery and colonialism, works that have stood the test of time are being tested anew.
This week’s guest, Jeremy Tate, argues that not only are the classics worth studying for their own sake but that abandoning the Western canon will have disastrous effects for our (already toxic) public discourse. And he has some advice for continuing your classical education—even if you’re out of school.
In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley give their first reactions to Pope Francis’ comments on debate over Communion and pro-choice politicians.
Links from the show
- In defense of a classical education
- Pope Francis: ‘I have never denied Communion to anyone.’
- Pope Francis said he doesn’t understand why people refuse to take Covid-19 vaccines
- Early Takeaways: Pope Francis on Biden, Bishops, Abortion and Communion
What’s on tap?
Kim’s Grapefruit: 1.5 ounces Empress Gin, .5 ounces St. Germain elderflower, juice of half a grapefruit, sugar-rimmed glass. (Modification: Don’t like—or can’t find—grapefruit? Use an orange instead!)
