CATEGORY: PHILOSOPHY (6 MIN) 

Stability and self-control

Much of today’s cultural vice stems from problems that are as old as sin itself. When a nation becomes prosperous, it can become lethargic, and its people seek pleasure and comfort. Modern Americans are no exception, especially many in the younger generation. How ought we to respond to this increasing cultural hedonism? 

Jesse Russell, writing in Law & Liberty, directs our attention to an ancient philosophy that some have considered a possible solution. Russell reviews a new compilation of Stoic philosophy from Regnery Books, featuring a foreword by Spencer Klavan, to find lessons for today’s America. It includes works by ancient thinkers Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. 

Russell discusses the aspects of Stoicism which have attracted many dissatisfied Americans. He notes in particular the Stoic emphasis on realistic expectations and disciplined self-control, two traits which have significant benefits.  

However, Russell acknowledges that Stoicism fails to recognize some basic truths, most importantly the reality of sin. Without these understandings, Russell believes, the intellectual benefits of Stoicism may fall short. 

Discover Russell’s real solution in his full review. 

CATEGORY: EDUCATION (6 MIN) 

College Board clash

When Ron DeSantis blocked the new AP African American Studies course from deployment in Florida over bias and critical race theory, it revealed a new battlefield in the war for the education of young Americans. AP courses, run by the College Board, have long stood as feathers in the caps of conservative and liberal students, but this new spotlight has revealed serious issues with the system. 

For The American Mind, Auguste Meyrat analyzes the problems with the College Board’s control over AP education. He points out that the College Board has snuck under the radar since it has not been quite as radical as other organizations, but its undeniable indoctrinating bias is still a major issue for American students. 

In response, Meyrat argues for a conservative alternative to the College Board—one that could provide excellent advanced courses grounded in the truth. 

“Conservative scholars could take advantage of the wealth of instructional materials that College Board now deems problematic and insufficiently relevant,” Meyrat suggests. 

Could this competitive strategy succeed? Read Meyrat’s article and evaluate for yourself. 

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CATEGORY: HISTORY (7 MIN)

The road from Rome

Stoicism is hardly the only inheritance our nation has received from the ancient Romans. The tradition of the Roman Republic lives strongly in our American founding and system of government. But the second phase of that civilization—the Roman Empire—could also give us lessons on how to deal with our modern issues. 

In this week’s selection from our Intercollegiate Review archive, Ryan Shinkel reviews Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine by Barry Strauss. Shinkel takes a short journey through the titular leaders and tries to glean as much wisdom from their lives and times as he can. 

Shinkel highlights the economic and physical growth of the Roman Empire as the emperors made difficult choices to sustain its health. Their mistakes and their successes can all indicate time-worn truths about the nature of civilization.  

Ultimately, Shinkel believes the Romans prepared the way for the West in two main ways. Their collapse allowed freedom to flourish, and their culture combined tradition with innovation.  

Find out who the ten Caesars are… and what they can teach us… right here. 

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