Should We Save the Classics?

What is the Future of Ancient History?

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,

There is a controversy brewing within the Classics community.

From the ivory halls of academia to the scrolling walls of the internet, people are asking what the future of ancient history should look like... and some of the most recent propositions are, frankly, a little shocking.

One Ivy league Classics professor wrote to me:

I’m sitting here debating a new book by Walter Scheidel over email with a colleague and we both agree it merits very wide discussion. Have you seen it? It’s called “What is Ancient History?” and it’s very well written. It makes sweeping proposals for reforming the discipline of Classics, up to and including abolishing it. He’s completely serious…and he’s the former chair of Classics at Stanford!

Hmm... certainly make one wonder.

Here at Classical Wisdom, we are, of course, huge supporters of the Classics, of ancient history, philosophy and mythology. Naturally, we bristle at the idea of eradicating the discipline.

Indeed, the very idea of abandoning this timeless field strikes us as both troubling and dangerous!

...But we also fervently believe in the true spirit of philosophy...of questioning, debating, and exploring every side of an argument before reaching a conclusion.

That’s why we’re hosting a live, no-holds-barred debate on the future of the Classics.

Joining us will be the author himself, Walter Scheidel, Dickason Professor of the Humanities at Stanford University, who will present and defend his provocative vision for where the field is heading.

Offering counterarguments and fresh perspectives will be Barry Strauss, Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and Angie Hobbs, Professor Emerita of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield.

This isn’t just another academic discussion...it’s a pivotal conversation about whether the wisdom of the ancient world will survive into our future, and in what form.

Taking place LIVE on October 10th at 1 PM EDT.

Join us to be part of this urgent and thought-provoking dialogue. Together we hope to get to the heart of how ancient history should be preserved and taught.

Register here to secure your place and receive the recording afterwards.

Also, a very important note…

I want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to our Classical Wisdom Members. I don’t know what the study of the Classics will be in the future, whether it will be continued and protected in traditional institutions... but what I DO know is that there is a deep and profound need to have the lessons of the past in our here and now.

We derive so much wisdom, comfort, humility and guidance from the ancients and so in moments like this I am honored to have such a wonderful community committed to doing our part in safeguarding ancient wisdom. Together we can pass on the torch to the next generation, and your support is what makes this possible.

So thank you. Thank you for your patronage, for championing the past, and helping bring ancient wisdom to modern minds. Your support matters.

All the best,
Anya Leonard

Founder and Director
Classical Wisdom

P.S. Classical Wisdom Members: You will also receive a complete transcript of this and all future events, along with full access to our Ebook and Classical Wisdom Litterae archives, in-depth articles and our exclusive podcasts with Professors.