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Harvard Classics

Rich E Bookhc.richebook.net
Former President of Harvard University Charles W. Eliot wrote in his introduction to the Harvard Classics, "In my opinion, a five-foot shelf would hold books enough to give a liberal education to any one who would read them with devotion, even if he could spare but fifteen minutes a day for reading." Here you are, you can easily listen to his entire 15-minutes-a-day study guide while commuting to and from work (most of us spend far more than 15 minutes a day commuting each day), doing mundane work in the office, washing dishes at home, or doing most of the things day in and day out. It is so easy, so entertaining, and so educational that they can be listened to again and again, until they permeate into our own thinking and into our characters. Perhaps, in one year's time, you will become someone you barely recognize, all for the better. Who knows? -- Rich E Book
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Episodes

Essays (1-6), by Francis Bacon

"What is Truth?" asked Pilate. For an answer Bacon discourses not on human nature as it should be, but as it is. These shrewd observations on making a life and a living admit occasional departures from truth. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics) Bacon becomes Privy Councilor, July 9, 1616.

Jul 10, 202133 minSeason 1Ep. 625

The Cenci (Act I, Scene III), by Percy Bysshe Shelley

When the monstrous Cenci forced his daughter Beatrice into a horrible situation, she revolted and boldly struck for freedom. Shelley tells her pitiful story in one of his best works. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics) Percy Bysshe Shelley drowned, July 8, 1822.

Jul 09, 202111 minSeason 1Ep. 623

The School for Scandal (Act I), by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

The painted lips of the eighteenth century ladies and gallants vied with one another in whispering scathing gossip, in gleefully furthering the destruction of a good name. Sheridan depicts this gay world with a brilliant spicy pen. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics) Sheridan buried in Westminster Abbey, July 7, 1816.

Jul 08, 202129 minSeason 1Ep. 621

Utopia (The First Book), by Sir Thomas More

When Europe was suffering from evil rulers, heavy taxes, and despair, Sir Thomas More dreamed of a happy land where an intelligently managed state perfected happiness. (Volume 36, Harvard Classics) Sir Thomas More executed, July 6, 1535.

Jul 07, 202119 minSeason 1Ep. 619

The Thousand and One Nights (The Story Told by the Tailor)

Here is another of those fanciful Oriental stories that proclaims the democracy of Eastern despotism. A tailor might talk with a king and receive either a death sentence or the office of Grand Vizier as a reward. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Jul 05, 202133 minSeason 1Ep. 617

The Declaration of Independence, by Thomas Jefferson

Some Americans preferred to be loyal to England and did not want independent government. Their hesitation is better understood when the finality of the Declaration is realized. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics) Independence Day.

Jul 04, 202110 minSeason 1Ep. 615

The Origin of Species (A Historical Sketch), by Charles Darwin

While Darwin was working on his theory of evolution, another scientist independently arrived at the same conclusions. Darwin, then, was not the first to study evolution. (Volume 11, Harvard Classics) Darwin publishes outline of "Origin of Species" July 1, 1858.

Jul 02, 202131 minSeason 1Ep. 609

On Liberty (Ch. I), by John Stuart Mill

"Democracy" has not always been the choice of oppressed people. The tyranny of the majority is a recognized evil as harmful as the misrule of a king. And rather than exchange a lesser evil for a greater, a rule by king has often been preferred to a republic. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)

Jul 01, 202129 minSeason 1Ep. 607

The Tragedy of Macbeth (Act III), by William Shakespeare

Macbeth, spurred on by the ambitious and crafty Lady Macbeth, committed murder to secure the crown of Scotland. But he paid dearly for his gain. Ghostly guests appeared at his banquet and threatened him with dire threats. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics) Shakespeare's Globe Theatre burned June 29, 1613.

Jun 30, 202115 minSeason 1Ep. 605

The Voyage of the Beagle (Ch. III), by Charles Darwin

A very definite etiquette is followed by a stranger on the vast plains of South America. "Ave Maria" is the common salutation. If the stranger is on horseback, he does not alight until invited to do so by his host. Once in the house, the stranger must converse a while before asking shelter for the night. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics)

Jun 29, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 603

Essays (Of Envy), Francis Bacon

There is a human trait most poisonous to a man's blood. Man seeks to avoid it because he knows that it lies like a curse upon him. Just what is the poisonous human failing? Who are most subject to it? Bacon tells you in one of his best essays. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics) Francis Bacon enrolled at Cambridge University, June 27, 1576.

Jun 28, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 601

Beowulf (Sec. XXII-XXIII)

At the bottom of the ocean was the home of the monster who had desolated the king's halls. Beowulf, bravest of warriors, descended beneath the waves to fight the beast. The king's men, waiting above, saw the waves become colored with blood. Hero or monster - who had won? (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)

Jun 27, 20219 minSeason 1Ep. 599

Poems, Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today, to-morrow will be dying?" Herrick was only a humble country minister with a wealth of wisdom and a keen appreciation of life, which he expressed in lyrics of wonderful beauty and melody. (Volume 40, Harvard Classics)

Jun 26, 202111 minSeason 1Ep. 597
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