Greatness & Goodness: A Guide for Young Men in Dark Times | Project Cosmos EP:02

In the second episode of Project Cosmos, James Orr, Alex Petkas, Nathan Pinkoski, Dan McCarthy, Johnny Burtka and Bill Rivers. gather for a profound roundtable on one of the most enduring questions in history:👉 Can you be a great man and a good father? What does true greatness mean in the modern world?This wide-ranging conversation explores:The tension between ambition, leadership, and family lifeHistorical and philosophical perspectives on greatness and virtueLessons from Aristotle, Plutarch, and the “mirror for princes” traditionThe impact of technology and AI on legacy and authenticityThe role of education, faith, and tradition in shaping leadersHow heritage, family, and culture influence the pursuit of greatnessThe challenges of work-life balance for leaders and public figuresThe meaning of providence, spontaneity, and timing in a successful life⏰ CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction1:13 Can Great Men Be Good Husbands & Fathers?5:00 Historical Examples of Leadership and Fatherhood8:07 The Challenge of Work-Life Balance for Leaders10:04 The Importance of Timing and Providence in Leadership14:01 Spontaneity vs Structure in Leadership16:51 The Role of Family Heritage & Legacy21:01 Technology, Innovation and Leadership32:11 The Challenge of AI and Human Authenticity1:12:52 The Left's Relationship with Heroism and Greatness1:28:20 Education, Leadership and the Great Books?1:40:49 The Role of Faith in Leadership📌 Project Cosmos is ISI’s flagship series—intimate, living-room-style conversations where today’s leading thinkers tackle the deepest political, philosophical, and cultural challenges facing America.Guests:James Orr – philosopher, Cambridge UniversityJohnny Burtka – President, Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI)Dan McCarthy – editor, Modern AgeNathan Pinkoski – political theorist, St. Michael’s CollegeBill Rivers – novelist, speechwriterAlex Petkas – classicist, host of The Cost of Glory podcast🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Project Cosmos, where ideas, history, and leadership meet.ProjectCosmos #JamesOrr #JohnnyBurtka #DanMcCarthy #NathanPinkoski #BillRivers #AlexPetkas #GreatMen #Fatherhood #Leadership #Philosophy #History #AI #Education #Faith #LiberalArts #WorkLifeBalance #Legacy #Conservatism #PoliticsLearn more about ISI’s educational programs: https://isi.org