How often do you think about the Roman Empire? | Rosalind Lucas | TEDxKingAlfredSchool

Summary

In this engaging talk, the speaker defends the study of classical civilizations, particularly ancient Greece and Rome, against modern skepticism. While acknowledging the importance of STEM fields, they highlight how classical studies shape our world today through literature, art, language, and culture. From ancient philosophy to modern pop culture references, the influence of classical civilizations is pervasive. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and combating the misuse of classics, showing its relevance through history, feminism, and modern adaptations. Ultimately, the speaker expresses their deep love for the subject and challenges the audience's perceptions of its value.

Takeaways

• 😀 Studying the Roman Empire and ancient history is deeply relevant to modern life, influencing culture, law, and society in ways we often overlook.
• 😀 The Prime Minister's comments on 'low value' degrees sparked a personal reaction from the speaker, who studies humanities subjects, especially classics.
• 😀 Humanities subjects, particularly classics, are often dismissed by people who believe STEM fields are the only 'useful' ones, but they offer valuable skills such as research, analysis, and argumentation.
• 😀 Classics, which focuses on ancient Greece and Rome, impacts daily life in subtle ways, from the languages we speak to the architecture we admire.
• 😀 The study of classics has practical influence, with modern references to ancient Greek and Roman stories appearing in films, TV shows, and even music.
• 😀 The character Wonder Woman, for example, is based on Greek mythology, showing how ancient stories live on in contemporary media.
• 😀 Key phrases like 'biting the dust' come from the ancient text 'Iliad,' revealing how much modern culture borrows from classical sources.
• 😀 While classics is not superior to other fields, understanding ancient civilizations helps us understand modern politics, culture, and societal issues.
• 😀 The impact of classics on European intellectualism and education has been profound, shaping political theory, science, and arts over centuries.
• 😀 Feminist retellings of classical stories, such as 'Circe' and 'Ariadne,' have sparked renewed interest in ancient mythology, reflecting modern concerns and ideas.
• 😀 The importance of classics can be seen in the destruction of monuments by the Taliban, illustrating how powerful history and culture are in shaping human identity and hope.

Q & A

Why does the speaker feel upset about Rishi Sunak's vow to crack down on 'low value' degrees?

The speaker, a student of humanities, feels upset because Rishi Sunak's statement specifically targets subjects like the arts and humanities, which the speaker values deeply. This rhetoric is a repetition of past criticisms they've faced, especially in contrast to their engineer parents' expectations.

What is the speaker's main argument for the relevance of classical studies today?

The speaker argues that the classical studies, particularly the study of ancient Greece and Rome, are deeply interwoven into modern society, visible in buildings, books, laws, art, language, and even popular culture.

What are some examples the speaker gives of classical influences in modern life?

The speaker mentions modern references to classical culture such as Wonder Woman (an Amazon from Greek mythology), the Disney adaptation of Percy Jackson (which focuses on the children of Greek and Roman gods), and the Queen song 'Another One Bites the Dust' (which refers to the Iliad).

Why does the speaker emphasize that they are not trying to argue classics as a 'superior' subject?

The speaker clarifies that their intent is not to argue that classical studies are superior or that ancient societies were perfect. They acknowledge that the misuse of classical ideas, like racism and misogyny, is problematic, and the study of classics can help understand and address these issues.

What is the historical significance of the study of classics in Europe?

For centuries, the study of classics was central to education in Europe. Intellectuals and academics used Latin to write influential theories, and classical knowledge formed the foundation of much of European political theory, science, and culture, which contributed to shaping the modern world.

How does the speaker link the destruction of ancient monuments by the Taliban to the power of history?

The speaker explains that the Taliban's destruction of monuments in Afghanistan was an attempt to eliminate symbols of hope and resistance. These ancient monuments are reminders that societies can change, and if certain conditions existed in the past, they could possibly exist again.

What role does the speaker suggest classics play in feminist movements and political discourse?

The speaker mentions that recent feminist retellings of classical stories, such as *Circe* and *Ariadne*, reflect current social movements. Classics provide a metaphorical space to express contemporary political and social views, much as they did in the past when authors like Shakespeare used them to comment on their own time.

Why does the speaker find it laughable when asked why they study a subject that seems irrelevant to the 21st century?

The speaker finds it laughable because they believe classical studies are incredibly relevant today. They highlight how classical ideas still influence modern life in countless ways, making the notion of them being irrelevant to modern society absurd.

What is the significance of the question 'How often do you think about the Roman Empire?' at the end of the speech?

The question serves as a humorous reflection on how deeply ingrained the classical world is in modern life. It also underscores the point that many aspects of modern culture are influenced by ancient Greece and Rome, whether people realize it or not.

What does the speaker suggest about the impact of classics on modern education and intellectual discourse?

The speaker suggests that classics continue to influence modern education and intellectual discourse, as the foundational skills developed through the study of classics, such as research, analysis, and interpretation, are increasingly important in the modern world, especially in the face of technological advancements like AI.