5 minute read
Manology
reasons CLASSICS to study the5
BY ADAM BAILEY
While the ancient world may seem remote and removed from the problems of the present—believeit-or-not, a simple understanding of the culture, philosophy, and classic literature is something every man should be well-versed in. Even if you didn’t study the classics in high school or college, there’s a case to be made that you should begin doing so now. Below are five reasons why every man should dive into the classics! 1. Enhances Your Cultural Literacy. Western culture is infused with references to the history and literature of classical Greece and Rome. With just a passing allusion to an ancient myth or story—an artist, author, or statesman can pack a mighty rhetorical punch. But for that punch to land, the audience must have fluency in the symbols and ideas of the spoken classical era. Unfortunately, because fewer and fewer people study the classics in their educational upbringing, fewer and fewer
are able to grasp the significance of classical allusions in literature, poems, and even film. Without that cultural knowledge of the Greeks and Romans, most people are missing out on a much richer and emotional encounter with these classical works. Think about it. Try watching a movie like O’ Brother, Where Art Thou? when you’re well-versed in Homer’s Odyssey. lege, there’s a case to be made that you should begin do 2. Instills Virtue and Morality. Most men typically approach history and art from a very utilitarian, almost scientific view. We’re more interested in the factual minutia of history, while art is only useful to the extent that it entertains us. But for the ancient Greeks and Romans, such subjects infused with references to the history and literature of had a much broader and inspiring purpose. History and art were not just interesting and informative but were an ancient myth or story—an artist, author, or statesman also thought to instill virtue and morality. land, the audience must have fluency in the symbols and 3. Allows You to See the Interconnectedness of Ideas. Today’s educational system has become increasingly specialized. We’ve created artificial barriers between Unfortunately, because fewer and fewer people study the different fields of study. When you’re in history, you largely just focus on history. When you’re studying phys-
are able to grasp the significance of classical allusions in literature, poems, and even film. Without that cultural knowledge of the Greeks and Romans, most people are missing out on a much richer and emotional encounter with these classical works. Think about it. Try watching a movie like O’ Brother, Where Art Thou? when you’re well-versed in Homer’s Odyssey. 2. Instills Virtue and Morality. Most men typically approach history and art from a very utilitarian, almost scientific view. We’re more interested in the factual minutia of history, while art is only useful to the extent that it entertains us. But for the ancient Greeks and Romans, such subjects had a much broader and inspiring purpose. History and art were not just interesting and informative but were also thought to instill virtue and morality.
Today’s educational system has become increasingly specialized. We’ve created artificial barriers between different fields of study. When you’re in history, you largely just focus on history. When you’re studying phys-
ics, you mostly focus on physics. But when you read the classics, those walls disappear. For the ancient Greeks and Romans, all knowledge was interconnected. When you read The Histories by Herodotus, you’ll see him connect historical events to political theory, anthropology, and even geography. Plato doesn’t just muse about Truth, Justice, and Beauty, but also math and physics. Some experts argue that the reason Apple has been so successful in the past two decades is that many of the people who work there—particularly the executives—have a background in both the humanities and technology. 4. It Disciplines the Mind. Yes, reading the classics can be hard. The texts often require you to really dig deep if you really want to understand and comprehend them. But with that mental exertion comes a strengthening and disciplining of the mind that carries over to other aspects of your life. Better yet, the classics serve as an intellectual sharpening stone, keeping the mind keen and sharp. 5. It’s Fun! The thing about the classics is that the more and more you read them, the more you’ll enjoy them. As your knowledge of the classics grows, you’re better
able to see and understand allusions classical authors make to each other. What’s more, the impact of classical literature on you will change as you enter different parts you read The Histories by Herodotus, you’ll see him con of your life. The nature and impact of various cultural and religious developments, the responses of societies to complex social and economic challenges, and the issues Justice, and Beauty, but also math and physics. Some ex of justice, discrimination, and violence were as much a perts argue that the reason Apple has been so successful part of the ancient world as they are of ours. in the past two decades is that many of the people who work there—particularly the the humanities and technology. them. But with that mental exertion the mind that carries over to other aspects of your life. Better yet, the classics serve as The thing about the classics is more you’ll enjoy them. As your knowl edge of the classics grows, you’re better able to see and understand allusions classical authors make to each other. What’s more, the impact of classical literature on you will change as you enter different parts of your life. The nature and impact of various cultural and religious developments, the responses of societies to complex social and economic challenges, and the issues of justice, discrimination, and violence were as much a part of the ancient world as they are of ours.
