What Actually Makes an Education “Classical”?
From Classical Et Cetera by The Memoria Press Podcast Network
May 6, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 219
About this episode
The episode explores the essential pillars of classical education and its distinction from modern curricula.
In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we ask a foundational question: What actually makes an education “classical”? Is classical education simply a collection of methods and old books, or are there essential pillars that cannot be removed? The Core Four discuss Latin, literature, moral formation, the Western tradition, and why classical education is more than a modern curriculum with classical decorations added on. Join us as we explore what belongs at the center of a truly classical education. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Martin) "The Last of the Mohicans" James Fenimore Cooper (Martin) "Smiling Through the Cultural Catastrophe" Jeffery Hart (Martin) "The Sea Hawk" Rafael Sabatini (Paul) "Mary Poppins" Pamela Lyndon Travers (Paul) "The Confederacy of Dunces" John Kennedy Toole (Paul) "A Tale of Two Cities" Charles Dickens (Tanya) "Fountains of Silence" Ruta Sepetys (Jessica)
Topics covered
- classical education
- Latin
- literature
- moral formation
- Western tradition
Keywords
- classical education
- Latin
- literature
- moral formation
- Western tradition
- curriculum
- education methods
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Galahad and the Grail, The Last of the Mohicans, Smiling Through the Cultural Catastrophe, The Sea Hawk, Mary Poppins, The Confederacy of Dunces, A Tale of Two Cities, Fountains of Silence
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