How To Academy Podcast Peter Jones - The Secret History of the Seven Deadly Sins
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Apr 2, 2026 Peter Jones, a medieval historian of spirituality and emotions, explores how the seven deadly sins functioned as tools to map the mind. He traces their origins from Evagrius to Gregory, explains pride, envy, anger and acedia in medieval thought, and reveals surprising links to art, confession, medicine and modern tech. Short, curious, and full of historical twists.
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Use Sins As A Structured Confession Checklist
- Use the seven sins as a structured checklist for moral self-examination during confession or reflection.
- Gregory-era priests applied the list to speed annual compulsory confession and guide improvement plans.
Medieval Pride Means Refusing Others
- Medieval 'pride' (superbia) focused on antisocial self-sufficiency—'I don't need other people'—not modern self-esteem.
- Pride was dangerous because it refuses communal ties and advice, sliding into narcissism.
Lucifer's Shoes As A Pride Symbol
- Medieval art signals pride by small details like Lucifer uniquely wearing shoes before the fall.
- Shoes symbolized thinking rules did not apply to you, a visual cue for exceptionalism and arrogance.