Homer and Philosophy

In this podcast, Harvard Professor Sean Kelly speaks with a radio show about the philosophy which can be seen in the Homeric epics. First Kelly speaks about the reason why people read Homer. He says how people used to read it to show how Homer's depiction of humans and their nature is wrong. Kelly states however, that Homer's epics may reveal much more about the philosophy of humans than it first appears. He explains how the characters seem to be very robotic and do not reflect on feeling to make decisions or guide their lives. We talked about this in our unit on The Odyssey when we saw how many people of the time, especially Odysseus let "the gods" dictate their lives for them. He goes on to explain how this type of decision making, the more laid back approach may be better for living a happy life because dwelling on every little decision makes a heavy burden. So what many readers first mistook as a careless approach to life, may have been Homer's example of a happy life. This is portrayed by the idea of the donkey between two bails of hay. Over-thinking can lead to ruin in this abstraction. Also, the other end of the spectrum is looked at and Kelly says that one should be cautious when letting decisions be made for them if a mob mentality is taking over one's ability to think.
In this interview, Kelly did a very good job of introducing both sides of the thought spectrum on this topic. After living 16 years and a few months I have decided that in my life, Homer seems to be right. When you have something to believe in such as religion, friends, or family which you can rely on to help you make decisions, life seems much easier and more enjoyable. Bad decisions can teach you to ask for advice and this also spreads out guilt. It is the simple mentality that going through hard times is much more easier with someone by your side.

"Why Read Moby Dick?"

Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of the book, Why Read Moby Dick? and in it he explains exactly what one would think; the importance of reading the Herman Mellville classic Moby Dick. After publication, Philbrick spoke in an interview on NPR. The interviewer started of with the question at hand: why read Moby Dick? Philbrick says right away that Moby Dick is the closest thing to the "American Bible" and also says that it is "full of great wisdom." He explains that Mellville was inspired by a friend to write outside of his normal style and create an adventurous story. Another inspiration was Mellville's respect for Shakespeare's writing, which influenced Mellville's use of language. Mellville drew off of past experiences as well as looking to the state of his nation at the time he wrote the story. By doing this, it makes Moby Dick able to withstand the test of time in our nation. The style of writing in the book, the way it is sometimes spontaneous and seems to go off on tangents opens up the opportunity to include poetry and great imagery. Philbrick states that "the level of the writing is truly poetic and yet he's (Mellville) telling this epic story." Philbrick believes that the story is an allegory for the way of life in the mid 1850's. Within Moby Dick there is a smattering of races who sail together with a common cause, and it wasn't until the book was rediscovered and the genius was recognized that the impact that the mingling of races had was truly appreciated. Philbrick believes that whenever our nation is going to face a cataclysm similar to the Civil War, Moby Dick is going to be a tale that many cling to for this reason. Philbrick defends the story by pointing out not only how it is a literary masterpiece, but also pointing out the effect that the themes of the story have. Moby Dick has had, and will continue to have a lasting effect on The United States of America.