Self Education - My Journey Through the Harvard Classics Series (Rob Pirie)

Summary

In this video, Rob introduces his new series on the Harvard Classics, a 50-volume collection of significant literary works, speeches, and historical documents. He shares his personal experience of seeking self-education after realizing the shortcomings of his formal education. Rob discusses the value of a classical education, drawing inspiration from historical figures who were well-versed in the classics. He aims to deepen his understanding of culture, ideas, and personal growth, using the Harvard Classics to rewire his mind and regain focus in a world dominated by distractions. The series will feature in-depth explorations of each book, with an interactive approach for audience engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rob introduces his new series on the Harvard Classics, a 50-volume set of classic works of world literature and historical documents.
• 😀 Rob shares his personal story about growing up in Louisiana, where education was lacking, leading to a desire for self-education.
• 😀 He reflects on how historical figures like Thomas Jefferson, Franklin, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton were educated in the classics, which influenced their achievements.
• 😀 Rob emphasizes the importance of self-education and the desire to correct gaps in his own education.
• 😀 The Harvard Classics series was compiled by Charles W. Elliott and includes key works that shape a well-rounded, cultivated mind.
• 😀 Rob discusses how these classics can help understand past ideas and thoughts, and how they are relevant for modern life.
• 😀 He wants to regain deep focus and improve his attention span, which has been negatively affected by constant screen time and distractions.
• 😀 Rob hopes to use the Harvard Classics to rewire his mind and gain a better understanding of culture, history, and society.
• 😀 The series will consist of videos on each book in the Harvard Classics, diving into key themes, lessons, and relevant passages.
• 😀 The series aims to be interactive, with Rob encouraging viewers to engage in discussions and share their thoughts in the comments.
• 😀 Rob mentions that his videos will be sponsored by his coffee company and encourages viewers to subscribe and support the channel.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Rob's Harvard Classics series?

The main focus of Rob's Harvard Classics series is to explore and dive deeper into the 50-volume Harvard Classics set, highlighting the ideas and lessons from the books while discussing their relevance to modern-day life. The series also aims to foster an interactive community discussion around these books.

Why did Rob feel the need to educate himself outside of the formal education system?

Rob felt that the public education system in Louisiana, where he grew up, was lacking in quality, and he realized that he missed out on a lot of important educational opportunities. He believes that it is his responsibility to seek out supplemental education on his own to make up for what was lacking.

What inspired Rob to begin studying the Harvard Classics?

Rob was inspired by his interest in historical figures like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton, who were all educated in the classics. He realized that these individuals had a deep understanding of classical education, which motivated him to explore the Harvard Classics for self-education.

What is the significance of the Harvard Classics series according to Rob?

According to Rob, the Harvard Classics series is important because it represents a comprehensive collection of world literature, important speeches, and historical documents that offer insight into the ideas and thoughts of past thinkers. It provides an essential foundation for understanding humanity's progress from barbarism to civilization.

What did Charles W. Elliott aim to achieve by compiling the Harvard Classics?

Charles W. Elliott aimed to provide a means for obtaining essential knowledge of both ancient and modern literature, as well as historical documents, to cultivate a liberal frame of mind and broad knowledge that could benefit individuals in the 20th century.

How does Rob plan to approach each book in the Harvard Classics series?

Rob plans to upload a video for each book in the series, discussing the main ideas and lessons from the book, with a focus on how they apply to modern life. He intends to dive into passages that stand out and create an interactive environment for viewers to share their thoughts in the comments section.

What is Rob's goal regarding his reading and focus throughout the series?

Rob's goal is to improve his reading and comprehension skills while regaining the ability to focus deeply on one topic for an extended period. He wants to reduce distractions from devices and engage more deeply with the material, physically reading and annotating the books.

How does Rob feel about the influence of devices on his attention span?

Rob feels that the overuse of devices has significantly shortened his attention span, not just for younger generations but for older people as well. He believes this widespread issue is affecting his ability to focus and is one of the reasons he's seeking to rewire his mind by diving into the Harvard Classics.

What does Rob hope viewers will gain from following the Harvard Classics series?

Rob hopes that viewers will gain a better understanding of the thoughts and ideas of the past and use them to better understand their own lives. He also wants to create a space for interactive discussions where viewers can explore the meaning and relevance of the material.

What makes the Harvard Classics different from other collections of literature?

The Harvard Classics stand out because they were curated to provide a foundational understanding of world literature, history, and philosophy, with the aim of cultivating a well-rounded, educated person. They predate modern movements and global conflicts, offering a glimpse into the intellectual climate before World War I.