You can support my work by becoming a paid subscriber on my substack: johnathanbi.com Some links to further guide your study: * Join my email list to be notified of future episodes: greatbooks.io * Full transcript: open.substack.com/pub/johnathanbi/p/transcript-for-lecture-on-shakespeare-julius-caesar Companion lectures and interviews: * Katharina Volk on the lives of Cicero and Caesar: th-cam.com/video/I5qQztnTVPQ/w-d-xo.html * Stephen Greenblatt on Shakespeare's Guide to Love: th-cam.com/video/v9wB6RDla80/w-d-xo.html Reference Texts: * David Lowenthal, Shakespeare's Thought: amzn.to/3YkxxrW (affiliate) * Chapter 4 explores the "Caesar wanted to die" thesis * John Alvis, Shakespeare's Understanding Of Honor: amzn.to/3YoAYhn (affiliate) * Colin Burrow, Shakespeare and Classical Antiquity: amzn.to/3C5Fnyd (affiliate) * René Girard, Theatre of Envy: amzn.to/3YJRZDV (affiliate) * Scott F. Crider, With What Persuasion: amzn.to/3YH7qwK (affiliate) * Frank Kermode, Shakespeare's Language: amzn.to/3YL3mvm (affiliate) * Paul Cantor, Shakespeare's Rome: amzn.to/4huj2dK (affiliate) TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 0. Introduction 00:03:28 1. Rome and America 00:12:17 2. Marcus Brutus 00:38:25 3. Julius Caesar 01:09:07 4. Mark Antony 01:29:55 5. The Fall of Brutus 01:32:47 6. Will America Fall like Rome?
Spent half my life looking for brilliant and illuminating minds such as yours… easy to find in old books… hard to find in real life… most pretend… you are the real deal. Thank you for giving!!!
I've never read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, but I've been expressing this general sentiment to others for some time. I think it sobering to remember that our Founding Fathers were conscious of the histories pertaining to other republics that came before our own. I quote to you Benjamin Franklin, "I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government, but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered; and believe further, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it."
Your best lecture yet Jonathan. The Nietzsche and Girard videos were educational, but this one was just as riveting as it was informative. You should analyze more narrative works in the future.
thanks. This definitely came less naturally to me than the philosophy one (where my formal training was) and there was a lot more interpretation I had to add myself here rather than just systematizing other thinkers' views. Im curious what other people thought: do you like my philosophy or literature lectures better?
@@bi.johnathan Both together are valuable to me, greater than the sum. Your philosophical lectures provide an authoritative and comparative foundation which helps me contextualize your work, which I learn from. Then these extensions beyond your core expertise in the arena of literature can be appreciated as a practical application of philosophy.
Awesome lecture. You should have more subs considering your content and production quality. I was hoping youd provide more allusions to present day. As they say, forms change but content stays the same.
On your astrological point, you may not be fully educated on how the field has evolved since the birth of depth psychology. So I’ll point you to Richard Tarnas’ “Cosmos & Psyche”. He is also the author of “The Passion of the Western Mind” which is right up your alley. Astrology is actually not just based on individual birth charts, it’s also an incredible telescope into the collective zeitgeist. Appreciate your work Johnathan, thanks for the stellar content!
Could it be a synthesis of both free will and destiny/astrology which balances a person? Free will unchecked leads to arrogance. Astrology unchecked dismisses concrete reality.
@@mediatechjohn3088If you’re talking about traditional astrology then free will is limited. But modern astrology embraces free will and autonomy. I wouldn’t say it dismisses concrete reality either. Astrology needs concrete reality to understand itself.
@@rc1800 lmao just because YOU don't understand something doesn't mean it's baloney. Astrology is literally a non-traditional variation of Psychology in it's attempt to interpret and understand the human mind. You only conclude it being 'baloney' if you aren't capable of making that connection. Your line of thinking is like thinking Spanish is a bad language because you prefer German. Dont be so narrow minded and dismissive
A little bit off topic I’m fascinated by the critical thinking skills that philosophy graduates and historians have As well as the critical reading skills and the sheer amount they’re reading As a psychology student I have to read a lot Do you have any advice on how to read more effectively to remember what you read? I have to know a lot of detail but noticed that without really understanding the subject it takes much longer doesn’t stick Even with facts
Thank you for this excellent, and timely, lecture. Very strange and disturbing parallels. I was introduced to the similarities of the Fall of Rome to our time now forty years ago in my Mystery School classes with dr. Jean Houston.....even more obvious now. But why? Why must we keep repeating the same stupid vanities of the human ego? Why haven't we yet evolved beyond such pettiness and greed? In any case, I encourage every American to VOTE BLUE to literally save our Democracy----although trump sure ain't no Julius Caesar, the result of vanity and greed for power are the same more than 2000 years ago.
Is the conclusion that we must accept the “fault of our stars” and not try and turn the decline of polis’ morality? I would more so critique the way the conspirators went about rescuing the republic, assuming it could have been rescued
Not really ... its more like we have to observe what's within the scope of political reality, one conclusion may be that the republic can't be saved. Not saying that's where we are at (I'm terminally uninterested in contemporary politics).
I can't blame you for trying to be relevant in comparing it to this election. But currently, with Trump leaving in 4 years it doesn't compare well. Nevertheless I enjoyed the perspective of Brutus!
When was the last time America been comparable to Rome? Are we talking about the height? The fall? When justice is equal and which side of the line you're on as far as the power spectrum no longer determines the outcome of consequences we will be better than Rome.
You really don’t understand the political subtext of Shakespeare’s Roman Trilogy. - you have to understand first what makes a Roman a Roman found in Coriolanus, then how Roman society begins to fragments itself and come undone in Julius Caesar and Anthony and Cleopatra.
the need for a Caesar is from decades of government dysfunction . If u don't want a Caesar then govern better...The notion that trump could or would be a caesar is laughable...
Rome "recycled" leaders every year! The top job (consul) was held not just only for one year but by two people simultaneously. The scary thing is, these checks and balances did not prevent strongmen from taking power.
There are businessmen in the background paying for the policies to be put in place. Most leaders are just figure heads to pretend fair authority still exist
I double that, and say that the general consensus of what we call an 'election' may be one of the final one. We may still have voting, but it's going to take a different form..one way or another.@@bi.johnathan
Without the strong man Caesar there’s no Augustus. You said not all Kings are bad. Was Rome not at its peak under the Emperors? Were the Senators really worried about the “Republic” and freedom or more worried about their positions, wealth, and lands? Maintaining the status quo.
You can support my work by becoming a paid subscriber on my substack: johnathanbi.com
Some links to further guide your study:
* Join my email list to be notified of future episodes: greatbooks.io
* Full transcript: open.substack.com/pub/johnathanbi/p/transcript-for-lecture-on-shakespeare-julius-caesar
Companion lectures and interviews:
* Katharina Volk on the lives of Cicero and Caesar: th-cam.com/video/I5qQztnTVPQ/w-d-xo.html
* Stephen Greenblatt on Shakespeare's Guide to Love: th-cam.com/video/v9wB6RDla80/w-d-xo.html
Reference Texts:
* David Lowenthal, Shakespeare's Thought: amzn.to/3YkxxrW (affiliate)
* Chapter 4 explores the "Caesar wanted to die" thesis
* John Alvis, Shakespeare's Understanding Of Honor: amzn.to/3YoAYhn (affiliate)
* Colin Burrow, Shakespeare and Classical Antiquity: amzn.to/3C5Fnyd (affiliate)
* René Girard, Theatre of Envy: amzn.to/3YJRZDV (affiliate)
* Scott F. Crider, With What Persuasion: amzn.to/3YH7qwK (affiliate)
* Frank Kermode, Shakespeare's Language: amzn.to/3YL3mvm (affiliate)
* Paul Cantor, Shakespeare's Rome: amzn.to/4huj2dK (affiliate)
TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 0. Introduction
00:03:28 1. Rome and America
00:12:17 2. Marcus Brutus
00:38:25 3. Julius Caesar
01:09:07 4. Mark Antony
01:29:55 5. The Fall of Brutus
01:32:47 6. Will America Fall like Rome?
Spent half my life looking for brilliant and illuminating minds such as yours… easy to find in old books… hard to find in real life… most pretend… you are the real deal.
Thank you for giving!!!
bet you fall in love easily😂
@@toyefalety9013😂😂😂😂😂
@@toyefalety9013 how many lectures have you given on Shakespeare's julius caesar?
Absolutely banging. Perfect timing too.
This is such a fantastic and refreshing take on the Shakespearean play! Bravo.
Thank you! My own formal training was in philosophy so this was definitely the lecture most out of my comfort zone but I did enjoy it quite a bit.
Beautiful. What perfect timing.
I've never read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, but I've been expressing this general sentiment to others for some time. I think it sobering to remember that our Founding Fathers were conscious of the histories pertaining to other republics that came before our own. I quote to you Benjamin Franklin, "I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government, but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered; and believe further, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it."
Lol you are picking up my habit of saying "I quote to you"
This is an awesome TH-cam channel. Thank you.
thanks for engaging with my work
Your best lecture yet Jonathan. The Nietzsche and Girard videos were educational, but this one was just as riveting as it was informative. You should analyze more narrative works in the future.
thanks. This definitely came less naturally to me than the philosophy one (where my formal training was) and there was a lot more interpretation I had to add myself here rather than just systematizing other thinkers' views. Im curious what other people thought: do you like my philosophy or literature lectures better?
@@bi.johnathan Both together are valuable to me, greater than the sum. Your philosophical lectures provide an authoritative and comparative foundation which helps me contextualize your work, which I learn from. Then these extensions beyond your core expertise in the arena of literature can be appreciated as a practical application of philosophy.
@@WongTag couldn’t agree more. Having watched the previous videos massively enhanced this one. You need to see them all.
@@WongTag makes sense, thanks!
@@bi.johnathanI enjoy both
love the aesthetic and quality
God this brings me back to 10th grade English when we read this during one of our semesters. Fun lecture as always.
Thanks! Personally, I prefer philosophy still but this is one of my favorite works from the Bard.
Amazing class, thank you
Bro you next level fasho 🙏🙏🙏
Wake up babe bi just dropped a new video
😪😴🛌
Awesome lecture. You should have more subs considering your content and production quality. I was hoping youd provide more allusions to present day. As they say, forms change but content stays the same.
This guy and these thumbnails!
🖖
Great analysis
On your astrological point, you may not be fully educated on how the field has evolved since the birth of depth psychology. So I’ll point you to Richard Tarnas’ “Cosmos & Psyche”. He is also the author of “The Passion of the Western Mind” which is right up your alley. Astrology is actually not just based on individual birth charts, it’s also an incredible telescope into the collective zeitgeist. Appreciate your work Johnathan, thanks for the stellar content!
Will take a look! Thanks for engaging with my work so carefully
Could it be a synthesis of both free will and destiny/astrology which balances a person? Free will unchecked leads to arrogance. Astrology unchecked dismisses concrete reality.
@@mediatechjohn3088If you’re talking about traditional astrology then free will is limited. But modern astrology embraces free will and autonomy. I wouldn’t say it dismisses concrete reality either. Astrology needs concrete reality to understand itself.
@@somyadesaiAstrology is a load of baloney. End of story.
@@rc1800 lmao just because YOU don't understand something doesn't mean it's baloney. Astrology is literally a non-traditional variation of Psychology in it's attempt to interpret and understand the human mind. You only conclude it being 'baloney' if you aren't capable of making that connection. Your line of thinking is like thinking Spanish is a bad language because you prefer German. Dont be so narrow minded and dismissive
A little bit off topic
I’m fascinated by the critical thinking skills that philosophy graduates and historians have
As well as the critical reading skills and the sheer amount they’re reading
As a psychology student I have to read a lot
Do you have any advice on how to read more effectively to remember what you read?
I have to know a lot of detail but noticed that without really understanding the subject it takes much longer doesn’t stick
Even with facts
I would love to sit in on one of our lectures, Sir. How can I make that happen?
How do you get to be an audience member?
New look is great
History may not repeat, but it is doomed to rhyme
Will you ever make a video about niccolo machiavelli and his book “The prince”?
yes!
@@bi.johnathan Hell yeah
Well, Romes golden age began after Caesar. So idk how much you guys can claim he had something to do with its fall
So Caesar was the ultimate “commit to the bit?”
😂 yes
Engagement comment
engagement reply
this reminds me of oswald spengler and his caesarism.
Where is this filmed?
Thank you for this excellent, and timely, lecture. Very strange and disturbing parallels. I was introduced to the similarities of the Fall of Rome to our time now forty years ago in my Mystery School classes with dr. Jean Houston.....even more obvious now. But why? Why must we keep repeating the same stupid vanities of the human ego? Why haven't we yet evolved beyond such pettiness and greed?
In any case, I encourage every American to VOTE BLUE to literally save our Democracy----although trump sure ain't no Julius Caesar, the result of vanity and greed for power are the same more than 2000 years ago.
Trump isn't even Marius, never mind Caesar. I literally despise him and everyone who votes for him.
Where is this located?
Maxwell Tribeca
If I were not Cramrockets, I should be Jonathan Bi.
Et tu CramRockets?
More like that last emperor rather than Cesar lol
Is the conclusion that we must accept the “fault of our stars” and not try and turn the decline of polis’ morality? I would more so critique the way the conspirators went about rescuing the republic, assuming it could have been rescued
Not really ... its more like we have to observe what's within the scope of political reality, one conclusion may be that the republic can't be saved. Not saying that's where we are at (I'm terminally uninterested in contemporary politics).
@ thanks for replying Johnathan - I think your videos are incredible and appreciate your work.
💚
How is a guy your age able to lecturer like a 55 year old Oxford professor??
Did you get a phd at 16?
How is this possible…🤔
I can't blame you for trying to be relevant in comparing it to this election. But currently, with Trump leaving in 4 years it doesn't compare well. Nevertheless I enjoyed the perspective of Brutus!
Will it fall? It already has. The American dream has died.
When was the last time America been comparable to Rome? Are we talking about the height? The fall?
When justice is equal and which side of the line you're on as far as the power spectrum no longer determines the outcome of consequences we will be better than Rome.
So who is the Brutus for Trump
You really don’t understand the political subtext of Shakespeare’s Roman Trilogy. - you have to understand first what makes a Roman a Roman found in Coriolanus, then how Roman society begins to fragments itself and come undone in Julius Caesar and Anthony and Cleopatra.
Exactly! This is a Bush League take.
Your point?
Nice try Diddy.
he cute
he love you long time, ten dollar
Im early 🎉
Is that audience fake? Looks sick
Yes, because of the 19th amendment.
Free speech was a mistake
Says an incel.😅
@@mhub3576 Says a philosopher
@@mhub3576so original, beta.
They’re are millions of women that are more intelligent than you , just chill bro 😂
Caesar-Octavian 2024
Trump is already too old.
The gerontocracy that is American national politics is a massive issue.
the need for a Caesar is from decades of government dysfunction . If u don't want a Caesar then govern better...The notion that trump could or would be a caesar is laughable...
There's a corner of the internet known as the dissident right who compares Trump to Ceaser. Trump's VP is influenced by them.
There is a corner of the internet showing chimps sniffing their butts Doesn’t make it a thing
John is a Brutus apologist, I'm blackpilled
Not sure I'm a Brutus apologist. In fact, the opposite: neither his intentions nor his methods were desirable.
No, this is not the case for America. Because we recycle leaders every 4 to 8 years. Rome didn't have this solution.
Rome "recycled" leaders every year! The top job (consul) was held not just only for one year but by two people simultaneously. The scary thing is, these checks and balances did not prevent strongmen from taking power.
There are businessmen in the background paying for the policies to be put in place. Most leaders are just figure heads to pretend fair authority still exist
I double that, and say that the general consensus of what we call an 'election' may be one of the final one. We may still have voting, but it's going to take a different form..one way or another.@@bi.johnathan
Without the strong man Caesar there’s no Augustus. You said not all Kings are bad. Was Rome not at its peak under the Emperors? Were the Senators really worried about the “Republic” and freedom or more worried about their positions, wealth, and lands? Maintaining the status quo.
Corruption, power and money…America will fall…maybe about 20-30 years…could have civil war II or 50 states will split apart…