S2E4: Ancient Greece, Which was in Europe, is (was) Not America

What this episode covers

Amos read Twilight of the Elites by Chris Hayes a few months ago, and one section in particular made him think about the obnoxious characters in the Iliad. Sophie wonders how far you can push that comparison. Amos says you can push it as far as you want, you're not the boss of me. Sophie says, I mean come on, don't be ridiculous. The past is the past, and we're here now. I know it's the past, I'm just saying that the chapter 1% Pathologies raises some interesting points of comparison. You don' t need to be a jerk about it. A jerk? You think I'm being a jerk? I'll show you a jerk. O you who art clothed in shamelessness, most covetous of all men! Thou heavy with wine, with the face of a dog and the heart of dear! Never have you had the spirit to arm yourself for war with the men, nor to go on ambush with the best of the Achaeans. Devourer of the people, since you lord it over worthless men.Links:Twilight of the Elites: America After Meritocracy: Chris Hayes: 9780307720467: Amazon.com: Books — This is the book Amos read. Amazon.com: The Iliad (9780140275360): Homer, Robert Fagles, Bernard Knox: Books — This is Amos's favorite English translation of the Iliad. It's not the most accurate, but it's great poetry. If you care about accuracy, you should just learn Greek. Greek — And if you're up for and want to learn Ancient Greek, this is the place for autodidacts.