The Great Course, The Great Courses: Life Lessons from the Great Books
, provides historical background from some of the Greatest literature ever written. I appreciate getting to know the background of the authors and the historical context for the literature. The lecturer, J. Rufus Fears is a master story teller often putting these historical novels into a modern context to improve comprehension. Professor Fears skillfully links Seneca's philosophical text with the Gospel of John. He provides some background behind why the Gospel of John is so different than the synoptic gospels of Mathew, Mark and Luke. This gospel is written from the perspective of a Greek philosopher.
The lessons learned from the Great Books surprised me. Life is often tragic with people of mediocre talent and abilities often working hard to destroy others showing any unique talents or abilities. The uplifting and destructive power of love has created beauty and havoc throughout recorded history. History is also filled with countries and individuals balancing freedom with the need for order ( Russia vs. Western democracies).
J. Rufus Fears - Fall of Rome - 6 min.
