Combat and Classics is a series of podcasts and online seminars that explores the nature of man in conflict and cooperation through socratic dialogue and the great books. For more info visit 
Brian, Shilo, and Jeff start their reading of Xenophon's great adventure story, "The Anabasis" -- or "Ascent" -- "of Cyrus." We have a new Cyrus; is he the same as the old Cyrus? How is Cyrus the Younger different from Cyrus the Great? (Is he Cyrus the not-so-Great?) And whose ascent is Xenophon's title talking about, since Cyrus the not-so-Great (spoiler Continue Reading …
Combat & Classics Ep. 49 Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book VIII with Shilo Brooks
All good things must come to an end -- but so must all bad things, and Cyrus' empire ends badly. Was Cyrus happy? Is it possible to rule human beings the way he did, like a god, and also make yourself and them happy? And why did such a cold king have two sons? Brian, Shilo, and Jeff have answers, and these answers raise new and interesting questions, and point to another of Continue Reading …
Combat & Classics Ep. 47 Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book VI with Shilo Brooks
Brian, Shilo and Jeff get together to talk more about the difference between sexual and political love, or eros, and about the connection between eros and gratitude. We end on another cliffhanger, as Cyrus' army, complete with siege engines, is about to attack the Assyrian host. And Jeff admits to a crackpot theory about the connection between love, chariots, and... Continue Reading …
Combat & Classics Ep. 46 Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book V with Shilo Brooks
Shilo Brooks returns for the next podcast in our series on Xenophon's Education of Cyrus. We talk about Book V, the love book -- easy now -- and especially about the differences between sexual and political love. Cyrus' special friend returns, as does his boyfriend, and the Susan woman. And the book ends with another kiss! We also learn the secret of when Cyrus, and Continue Reading …