Early on in the MCC project, a few of us got together to discuss a few books from the Nationalism vs. Globalism course in an audio discussion group. Those sessions were a lot of fun!
Twitter / X introduced “spaces” and I thought that these would be a good tool to leverage for future reading groups. Much to my disappointment, for the longest time, laptops / computers were not permitted to host spaces or to speak in them. The speaking barrier was eventually removed!—though the hosting barrier is still there, in addition to not having full functionality with hand-raising, etc.
At any rate, I would like to invite any MCC reader to consider joining two reading groups that I am co-hosting on X.
On Alexander Pope’s translation of Homer’s Odyssey.
William Wheelwright (of Classical Conversations fame) and I are co-hosting a weekly space on the Odyssey that usually takes place on Friday nights except when schedules conflict. William reads a book of the Odyssey in a melodious voice while offering helpful contextual comments along the way and then afterwards we discuss what was read with friends, including especially often banned free speech advocate and co-host, UpCountryMarcher.
Last week we started with Book One; the reading and conversation is recorded so you can check it out to see if you are interested in joining us for subsequent conversations. We are pretty early in, so get in on the (close to) ground floor!
On Romanticism / Romantic poetry and the difference between modern and ancient poets.
Percy Shelley’s Ode to the West
Percy Shelley’s Hymn to Intellectual Beauty
I am really excited about both groups and I hope that you are interested in joining. Feel free to comment if you are interested, or just show up! I’ll post a Substack note the day of for these things to give you a helpful reminder! If you have other ideas for reading groups / similar ventures, let me know!
Recent appearances:
I joined Kruptos on his podcast to talk about Vitalism and Christianity so you should check that out!
A little while ago, I joined ReWire the West to discuss the beginning of the Iliad and Odyssey as well as crucial moments that help articulate what Achilles and Odysseus take to be the best way of life for a human being.
He described the shared lives of the great poets. How they overlapped and influenced each other. His insights on the Sermon on the Mount was not as insightful
What time are these happening?