Classical Et Cetera

Why Characters Like Jane Eyre and Frodo Still Inspire Us

What is fortitude—and why does it matter in literature and life? In this episode, the we explore the virtue of fortitude through the lens of beloved characters like Jane Eyre, Bilbo Baggins, Aragorn, and Hester Prynne. From the quiet strength of the hobbits to the moral resolve of Jane Eyre, we unpack how true fortitude blends courage, patience, endurance, and moral integrity. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a character truly heroic, or how virtue is taught through great books, this episode is for you.
 
Want to read the books we discussed?
 
Explore moral courage with the Jane Eyre Set (9th Grade):
https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/ninth/jane-eyre-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=172
 
Discover quiet strength in the The Hobbit Set (6th Grade):
https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/sixth/the-hobbit-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=172
 
Witness unwavering strength in the face of shame and suffering in the The Scarlet Letter Set (9th Grade):
https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/ninth/scarlet-letter-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=172

How to Teach Classical Education: Socratic Teaching, Coaching, and Beyond!

How should we teach classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we dive into the real work of teaching—exploring what it means to guide students through knowledge, skills, and the deeper understanding of ideas and values. Drawing on insights from Mortimer Adler and others, we examine the Socratic method, the role of coaching in skill development, and why no single approach is enough. From didactic instruction to Socratic dialogue, we share a practical and philosophical framework for teaching that meets students where they are—and takes them further. Join the conversation about how classical teaching really works!
 
Read Martin's article _How to Teach_ right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/how-to-teach-mortimer-adlers-three-pillars-revised/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=171
 
And shop our complete line of Classical Christian Curriculum! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=171  
 
*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 
_The Name of the Rose_—Umberto Eco (Paul)
_No Country for Old Men_—Cormac McCarthy (Paul)
_The Island of Sea Women_—Lisa See (Jessica)   
_Bloomsbury Girls_—Natalie Jenner (Tanya) 
_Hamlet_—William Shakespeare (Martin)

Tradition, Ceremony, and Graduation: Why They Still Matter for Your School

What role do ceremonies and traditions play in shaping school culture? From graduations to recitation days, we explore how formal rituals create meaning, build community, and reinforce the seriousness of education—whether in a classical school or homeschool. These timeless practices remind us: some things deserve to be set apart.
 
Read more about our founder's view on _gravitas_ right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/gravitas-the-lost-art-of-taking-school-seriously/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=170
 
And shop our complete line of Classical Christian Curriculum! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=170 
*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 
_The Name of the Rose_—Umberto Eco (Tanya)  
_Bloomsbury Girls_—Natalie Jenner (Tanya)  
_G.K. Chesterton: The Autobiography of G.K. Chesterton_—G.K. Chesterton (Kathy) 
_The Island of Sea Women_—Lisa See (Jessica)
_Carnegie's Maid_—Marie Benedict (Jessica)  

Classical Education for Adults: Book List & Reading Recommendations

Where should adults start with classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we share our top book recommendations for anyone looking to begin their journey into the world of classical learning. Whether you're new to the classics or returning with fresh eyes, these books will help you understand what classical education is, why it matters, and how to dive in. From timeless works to essential guides, we explore where to start, what to read, and how to keep going. Join the conversation in this podcast episode—and check out our classic book lists below!
The Great Books, Books About Classical Education, and Books For Classical Educators: https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Recovery-of-Real-Education.pdf?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=169 Memoria Press Literature Curriculum: https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/HLS-Teacher-Reading-Survey.pdf?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=169 Martin's Essential Boys Books: https://www.memoriapress.com/martins-essential-boys-books-list/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=169 Martin's Essential Girls Books:https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Essential-Girls-Books-List_ProofedByEllen.pdf?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=169
 
*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 
_The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour_—Louis L'Amour (Paul) 
_The Name of the Rose_—Umberto Eco (Tanya)  
_On Close Reading_—John Guillory (Martin) 

Antigone to Aslan: Literary Analysis of the Lost Virtue that Still Moves Us

What is the meaning of piety and how does it resonate with us today? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the team dives into the ancient and timeless concept of piety, exploring its role in classical literature. From the loyalty of Antigone to the sacrificial love of Aslan, we examine how this forgotten virtue shapes heroes and stories.
 
Shop Memoria Press Literature right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/literature-poetry/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=168
 
*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 
_The Portrait of a Lady_—Henry James (Martin) 
_The Flaming Forrest_—James Oliver Curwood (Paul) 
_Wind and Truth_—Brandon Sanderson (Ian)  
_Basic Economics_—Thomas Sowell (Ian) 

Teaching Logic and Language in Classical Education | Memoria Press Logic Explained

Logic — how does its study shape language, learning, and classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the team explores the role of logic in a homeschool curriculum and why it's essential for teaching clear thinking, sound reasoning, and effective communication. From formal fallacies to material logic, we break down how students can learn to think well and speak well. Discover why logic isn’t just an abstract subject but a vital tool for life—and why Memoria Press places it at the heart of its classical teaching. Logic and language belong together—for students and teachers alike. Shop the original thinking skill right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/logic-rhetoric/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=167
*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 
_The Flaming Forest_—James Oliver Curwood (Paul) 
_The Name of the Rose_—Umberto Eco (Paul) 
_Slow Horses_—Mick Herron (Tanya)  
_Passing the Torch: An Apology for Classical Christian Education_—Louis Markos (Martin) 

What does Classical Education Look Like in High School? | Memoria Press Curriculum Overview

Homeschool Curriculum in High School? Let's talk about it! This week's Classical Et Cetera breaks down how our Upper School education works—subject by subject. We talk about overall objectives, as well as tips, so you can provide the best possible education for your student.Shop the Memoria Press Classical Core Curriculum! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=166
 
*Show Notes:*- Martins Essential Boys Book Listhttps://www.memoriapress.com/martins-essential-boys-books-list/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=166- Essential Girls Book Listhttps://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Essential-Girls-Books-List_ProofedByEllen.pdf?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=166
 
*What We're Reading* from This Episode: _Hillbilly Elegy_—J.D. Vance (Tanya) _Gods, Graves and Scholars_—C.W. Ceram (Martin) _Orthodoxy_—G.K. Chesterton (Paul)  _Anna Karenina_—Leo Tolstoy (Jeremy) _The Ballad of the White Horse_—G.K. Chesterton (Jeremy)

Let's Debunk the Myth of Chronological History

Most history programs follow a strict chronological timeline—but is that really the best way to teach history? This episode of Classical Et Cetera instead explores the power of teaching history through a moral, narrative framework—where the meaning of events matters more than the order. We make the case for starting with Rome, not Greece, and explain how the ancients themselves approached the past. It's important for all of us to learn how history can shape students’ souls, why timelines aren’t the whole story, and what it really means to understand the past. Learn more about our Classical Studies Curriculum - memoriapress.com/classical-studies/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=165
 
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Babette's Feast —Isak Dinesen (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jlWtbO
Anges Grey —Anne Brontë (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jCZ40L
Till We Have Faces —C.S. Lewis (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jp37hG
Independent People —Halldor Laxness (Paul) | https://amzn.to/3GfSSNS