Brat McKay here and welcome to another edition of the Art of Manliness Podcast.

Even though the legendary poet Homer wrote the Ilyudan Odyssey thousands of years ago,

my guests would say that these epic poems are just as relevant and significant today,

and even represent a kind of scripture.

His name is Adam Nicholson and he's the author of Why Homer Matters.

TAY on the show, Adam makes the case that the Ilyud is really the story of a collision

between a more rooted, civilized way of life, represented by the character of Hector,

and a nomadic, honor-bound gang-eat-those represented by Achilles.

We talk about how this collision birthed the character of Odysseus, who is both great warrior

and subtle diplomat, and the whole Greek consciousness.

And we discuss how that consciousness is also our consciousness, as we're still wrestling

with the warring impulses, dramas and dilemmas, and big questions of human experience Homer

gave life to.

After shows over, check out our show notes at a-wim.is slash Homer.

Alright Adam Nicholson, welcome to the show.

Thanks so much for having me.

So several years ago, you're in a book called Why Homer Matters, where you explore the world

of Homer, the Odyssey, the Ilyud.

You really took a deep dive.

So what was going on in your life, where you decided to take a deep dive into this ancient

poet, Homer?

Well I'd been really intrigued by Homer for a long time.

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