Individualism in Ancient Greece

Two fun facts:

First, the concept of “individualism” goes way back.

Yes, all the way back to ancient Greece. The idea was dimmer then, but it existed nonetheless.

Second, the ancient Greeks believed that without community, or a polis, individuals couldn’t attain their full humanness.

That idea has had some interesting consequences. Aristotle wrestled with one of them.

Is Man Really a Political Animal?

This week’s Intercollegiate Review article is an excerpt from John W. Danford’s excellent book Roots of Freedom.

Here, Danford explores the Greeks’ understanding of individualism.

Must everything be understood as belonging to the polis?

Was Aristotle right that man is a political animal?

If you’re interested in individual freedom, you’ll want to read this one.

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CATEGORY: CULTURE (6 min)

Facing a Crisis of Family Formation

Conservatives often refer to the family as an “institution.”

When you think about it, that sounds strange.

What makes the family an institution?

Isn’t the family pre-institutional?

What “Family” Means

In the American Conservative, renowned author and political analyst Yuval Levin unpacks what “family” means, why it’s so significant . . . and what we lose if it falls apart.

His article explores:

the two facets of what the family does for individuals—and for society
how the family introduces individuals to the realities of freedom and choice
how controversy around the family has obscured our understanding of what it is

Levin, as one of our readers commented, is always worth listening to.

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CATEGORY: POLITICS (41 min)

Identity Politics: Uniquely American

Is identity politics a new phenomenon?

It certainly appears to have coopted every other issue on the American political landscape.

But in this excellent lecture by Peter Skerry, professor of political science at Boston College, you’ll learn where identity politics comes from . . . and why it’s older than you think.

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American Conservatism: Living Tradition or “Dead Consensus”?

Debate can be healthy. But some debates bring more heat than light.

Here to help you navigate the most urgent questions facing conservatives is Modern Age editor Daniel McCarthy.

McCarthy has become an in-demand commentator, writing for the New York Times and appearing on NPR, the BBC, and many other media outlets.

Join McCarthy on Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. ET to gain expert clarity on the most heated debates in conservatism today.

Plus, you could win a free subscription to Modern Age!

Learn more at the button below.

Spots are limited and fill quickly, so reserve yours now.

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"Wise politics is the art of invigorating society and weakening the State." Nicolas Gomez Davila

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