The Book Club | PragerU

Once required reading for high school students, To Kill a Mockingbird now comes with trigger warnings. The book, which confronts and calls out the evils of racism, is considered by some to be too offensive for our modern-day woke sensibilities. Why? Set in 1930s Alabama, a young girl watches her attorney father defend a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Michael Knowles is joined by Derryck Green to discuss the powerful themes of this timeless American classic and why it should continue to be read (not banned). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Knowles is joined by Pastor Rob McCoy to discuss the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most beloved and frequently cited passages in the gospels of the New Testament. Together, Michael and Pastor McCoy explore the various interpretations of the text and reflect on the lessons that Jesus’s sermon teaches us about living a virtuous Christian life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the purpose of life happiness, and if so, how can we achieve it? Written nearly 2,500 years ago, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is as relevant today as it's ever been. Michael Knowles is joined by Professor Charles Kessler to discuss this seminal work exploring the age-old question of how to live a happy and meaningful life. As it turns out, Aristotle’s recipe for the good life has not grown stale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Julie Hartman, a former Harvard student and co-host of a podcast with Dennis Prager, as she delves into Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic, The Scarlet Letter. Hartman discusses Hester Prynne's journey through public shame and personal redemption, exploring themes of sin, guilt, and societal judgment. The conversation also contrasts Hester’s struggles with contemporary moral dilemmas, shedding light on the persistent echoes of Puritanism in today's society. Their insights reveal the complex relationships between love, shame, and individual identity.

Andy Puzder, former CEO of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, explores Ayn Rand’s *The Fountainhead*, championing individualism against societal pressures. He delves into the journey of architect Howard Rourke, who resists conformity to maintain his principles. The conversation discusses the clash between capitalism and socialism, emphasizing personal rights and integrity. Puzder also highlights the importance of educating youth on these ideologies and the connection between architecture and philosophy, showcasing the enduring relevance of Rand's ideas.

If you lost every good thing in your life, would you still praise God? The Book of Job from the Old Testament is considered one of the great masterpieces of early literature. Michael Knowles is joined by Owen Anderson, Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Arizona State University, to examine one of the Bible's most profound stories, which explores the issues of human suffering, the nature of God, and the meaning of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know if you’re trapped in a false reality? Can you see the truth or are you simply looking at shadows on the wall? Solveig Gold joins Michael Knowles to discuss Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” from his renowned work, “The Republic.” This symbolic story about human perception and the pursuit of truth reminds us not to trust our senses alone. We must step outside the cave and challenge our perceptions to discover the true nature of reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Illingworth, an expert on medieval literature, joins Michael Knowles to dissect Geoffrey Chaucer's iconic 'The Canterbury Tales.' They explore its blend of humor and serious themes, highlighting Chaucer's storytelling magic. The discussion dives into the diverse characters, the intense love and rivalry in 'The Knight's Tale,' and the absurdity of fate reflected in the tales. They also examine the characters' pilgrimage, balancing humor with spiritual insights, making this medieval work resonate with humanity's complexities.

Michael Knowles and guest John Yoo discuss how Hobbes's Leviathan shaped political philosophy. They explore Hobbes as the first modern political philosopher, his views on law, the relevance of his ideas in America, the symbolism of the monster Leviathan, and the conservative nature of the American Revolution.

What can we learn from ancient Greek poetry? A foundational text of Western Civilization—The Iliad by Homer—is one of the oldest pieces of literature still read by modern audiences. Why? Because we recognize ourselves in its timeless themes of war, love, fate, and free will. Ivy League classicist Joshua Katz joins Michael Knowles to discuss this 2,800-year-old poem embodying the human condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices