
The Cause - Rob Pirie
Robert Pirie
Please join me in embarking on the Harvard Classics Series by Dr. Charles Elliot. This series dates back to around 1910 and is a collection of literature that I believe needs to be revived and rediscovered. I look forward to reading and discussing all 50 volumes with you as we learn about the great ideas of those who came before us. In this series, we will dive into Greek and Roman history, the American Founders, works from Francis Bacon, John Milton, and many more. We will cover Shakespeare and Chaucer and also some fictional works like Don Quixote which are all included in the Harvard Classics.
We will also review other books on this podcast that fit the classical education theme.
This series is being created for those passionate about classical education and as a supplement to homeschool curriculums. I truly hope these classical works of literature bring you as much joy as they do me.
Feel free to reach out with any questions as I would love to hear from you!
Rob Pirie
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 The Cause - Rob Pirie Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Cause - Rob Pirie episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Cause - Rob Pirie for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Cause - Rob Pirie episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

How Classical Education Impacts Democracy - A Call For Restoration
The Cause - Rob Pirie
06/26/24 • 13 min
Classical education has fallen out of popularity over the past century. We are in the process of finding out if that was a good or bad thing and the evidence is becoming more clear. We may have chosen the wrong path to progress down. There is no shame in backing up and starting over again. History is littered with examples of this. In his book "A Defense of Classical Education", Richard Livingstone explains the importance of defending a classical education. The important point I want to drive home is that classical education appears to be the best form of education to sustain a democracy. A Democratic Republic's survival is dependent on the quality of the people voting and deciding on representatives. If the morals, virtues, and character break down in society then a democracy can not be expected to stand for very long. A classical education is the glue that holds all of this together. This series is to shine a light on this issue. I hope you enjoy reading and the videos!
1. A Defense Of Classical Education: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/mp/a-defence-of-classical-education/
2. Weapons Of Mass Instruction: https://amzn.to/3RojPS1
3. The Republic: https://amzn.to/45kkp9o
4. The Social Contract: https://amzn.to/4cl1Ns9
5. The Abolition Of Man: https://amzn.to/3VD5X92
6. Discourse On Voluntary Servitude: https://amzn.to/3x3AFPv
7. The Road to Serfdom: https://amzn.to/3Xq8hSp
8. The Political Theory Of The American Founding: https://amzn.to/4chLD2x
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below.
• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
* Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.

We Live In The Best Of Times! My Cherished Advice From An Old Man
The Cause - Rob Pirie
01/07/25 • 5 min
An old man told me that his kids have never known hunger. And that has stuck with me ever since he uttered the words. I miss you, Mr. Neal!
• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
* Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.
The Best Writing Journals:
• https://amzn.to/4hrj5XE
Substack: https://substack.com/@robpirie

Why Plato's Republic STILL Matters | Are You Lost In The Cave?
The Cause - Rob Pirie
10/05/24 • 21 min
Why Plato’s Republic Is Still Important
Plato's "Republic" explores justice, the ideal state, and the nature of the soul through a dialogue led by Socrates. The work is structured as a discussion among several characters, primarily Socrates and Glaucon.
Key themes include:
1. Justice: Socrates seeks to define justice, arguing that it is about harmony in both the state and the individual. Justice involves each part fulfilling its role.
2. The Ideal State: Plato outlines a tripartite society: rulers (philosopher-kings), warriors, and producers. Each class corresponds to a part of the soul: rational, spirited, and appetitive.
3. The Allegory of the Cave: This metaphor illustrates the difference between the world of appearances and the world of forms (true reality). It suggests that many people live in ignorance, mistaking shadows for reality.
4. Theory of Forms: Plato posits that non-material abstract forms (like beauty and justice) are the most real, as they represent true knowledge.
5. Education: The importance of education in shaping the soul and preparing individuals for their roles in society is emphasized, particularly for future leaders.
Overall, "Republic" is a foundational text in Western philosophy, posing deep questions about ethics, governance, and the human condition.
I hope you enjoy the video
1. A Defense Of Classical Education: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/mp/a-defence-of-classical-education/
2. Weapons Of Mass Instruction: https://amzn.to/3RojPS1
3. The Republic: https://amzn.to/45kkp9o
4. The Social Contract: https://amzn.to/4cl1Ns9
5. The Abolition Of Man: https://amzn.to/3VD5X92
6. Discourse On Voluntary Servitude: https://amzn.to/3x3AFPv
7. The Road to Serfdom: https://amzn.to/3Xq8hSp
8. The Political Theory Of The American Founding: https://amzn.to/4chLD2x
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below.
• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
* Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.

Why Do We Defer Happiness To Some Idyll Future State? - My Struggle and How You Can Find It Today!
The Cause - Rob Pirie
09/24/24 • 5 min
Welcome to coffee break Tuesday! Today I want to discuss deferred happiness syndrome and explain how I deal with deferring happiness to some idyll state in the future. I struggle with this a good bit and I have found some ways that help me cope with it. I hope you enjoy the video!
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below.
• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
* Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.
Substack: https://substack.com/@robpirie

Knowledge Within Bounds Is Power - John Milton's Paradise Lost (Books 7 & 8)
The Cause - Rob Pirie
07/11/24 • 22 min
Paradise Lost by John Milton is an epic poem that tells the story of the rise of Satan out of the depths of hell and his campaign to conquer the will of man on Earth. This video covers books 7 and 8 of Paradise Lost. Join us as we sit down with Adam and Eve and listen to what the archangel Raphael has to say about Heaven and Earth's creation and more. Adam tells the story of his creation and about the creation of Eve from his side. This episode is filled with love, humor, and happiness. Paradise Lost by John Milton is truly an epic poem. I hope you enjoy my explanation of Paradise Lost books 7 and 8.
• Paradise Lost: Book https://amzn.to/3TsFiuM
• Paradise Lost: On Audible: https://amzn.to/3xMiTQH
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below.
• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
* Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.

8 Books You Should Read To Save Society - Before It's Too Late...
The Cause - Rob Pirie
06/12/24 • 7 min
This new-themed 8-book reading series is going to cover the demise of education and how that leads to a lack of morals and eventually the road to totalitarianism.
What happens when we move away from a classical education? What happens to society when morals are lost? These are some of the issues we will be covering in this reading series and we will also go over how society has been corrected and fixed in the past. These books below are not all-inclusive of the problems and surely not the sole fix. Reading books and reading important books has never been more important than now. We must do our duty to safeguard the liberty we still exercise and push back against all the external forces closing in. No single person can stop the demise but if we all educate ourselves and stand as a union again, we will at least have a chance. I hope you enjoy this reading series and I would love it if you would join me along this journey. The books are listed below in the order I will cover them. Stay blessed!
1. A Defense Of Classical Education: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/mp/a-defence-of-classical-education/
2. Weapons Of Mass Instruction: https://amzn.to/3RojPS1
3. The Republic: https://amzn.to/45kkp9o
4. The Social Contract: https://amzn.to/4cl1Ns9
5. The Abolition Of Man: https://amzn.to/3VD5X92
6. Discourse On Voluntary Servitude: https://amzn.to/3x3AFPv
7. The Road to Serfdom: https://amzn.to/3Xq8hSp
8. The Political Theory Of The American Founding: https://amzn.to/4chLD2x
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below or checking out some of my favorite books below.
• COFFEE Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
* Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.

The Essays of Francis Bacon - Philosopher, Statesman, and Reformer - Harvard Classics - HC3 Ep11
The Cause - Rob Pirie
12/08/23 • 16 min
The Essays of Francis Bacon are a compilation of short ideas that cover a wide variety of topics. These short essays are filled with history, wit, and great information that provide a rich literature experience. From references to Plutarch's Lives to the Islam religion these essays have stood the test of time. His writing style is unique and the words he uses seem to be chosen very carefully. Hope you enjoy reading Francis Bacon!
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below.
• Coffee Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
*Use Code "thecause" for 15% off on your first order.
FAVORITE BOOKS:
• Plato - The Republic: https://amzn.to/456FIKp
• Plato/Aristotle Starter: https://amzn.to/45u26xq
• Alexander Hamilton: https://amzn.to/44pzKn7
• The Hero of Two Worlds: https://amzn.to/3KFrOa2
• Washington: A Life - Ron Chernow: https://amzn.to/44jcaZ8
AUDIBLE LINK
•https://amzn.to/3L3WbYb
Most of these classic works can be found on Audible and most are in the free catalog. If finding time to read a physical book is not an option this may be something to consider.

The Story of Marcus Aurelius - "Christian Persecution" | "Slave Owner" - Harvard Classics - HC2 Ep10
The Cause - Rob Pirie
11/22/23 • 14 min
The history of Marcus Aurelius is rich and lined with lessons learned and troubles overcome. He would lose his father at the age of three and be adopted by one of the most powerful men in Rome. He waged war, lost loved ones, owned slaves, and persecuted Christians. He would be betrayed, lied to, and immortalized. He quietly would right down his lessons learned and strive to wake up the next day and live a little better than the last. He left behind his meditations for us which have elevated him to a level of fame to surpass all the Roman emperors but Julius Caesar himself. Hope you enjoy the History of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below.
• Coffee Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
*Use Code "THECAUSE" for 15% off on your first order.
FAVORITE BOOKS:
• Plato - The Republic: https://amzn.to/456FIKp
• Plato/Aristotle Starter: https://amzn.to/45u26xq
• Alexander Hamilton: https://amzn.to/44pzKn7
• The Hero of Two Worlds: https://amzn.to/3KFrOa2
• Washington: A Life - Ron Chernow: https://amzn.to/44jcaZ8
AUDIBLE LINK
•https://amzn.to/3L3WbYb
Most of these classic works can be found on Audible and most are in the free catalog. If finding time to read a physical book is not an option this may be something to consider.

The MEDITATIONS of MARCUS AURELIUS: A Breakdown of His Journal - Harvard Classics - HC2 Ep9
The Cause - Rob Pirie
11/13/23 • 24 min
During the peak of Rome's glory lived a stoic emperor who left a journal that became a blueprint on how to live a virtuous and good life. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is an important pillar of classical education and classical literature. The "Philosopher King" would become synonymous with Marcus Aurelius as he would become one of the most famous Roman emperors in history. I hope you enjoy my ramblings on this amazing journal "Meditations" as we dive into Marcus Antoninus's thoughts.
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below.
• Coffee Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
*Use Code "THECAUSE" for 15% off on your first order.
FAVORITE BOOKS:
• Plato - The Republic: https://amzn.to/456FIKp
• Plato/Aristotle Starter: https://amzn.to/45u26xq
• Alexander Hamilton: https://amzn.to/44pzKn7
• The Hero of Two Worlds: https://amzn.to/3KFrOa2
• Washington: A Life - Ron Chernow: https://amzn.to/44jcaZ8
AUDIBLE LINK
•https://amzn.to/3L3WbYb
Most of these classic works can be found on Audible and most are in the free catalog. If finding time to read a physical book is not an option this may be something to consider.

Reading Through the Harvard Classics 50 Volume Series - Intro: Rob Pirie | Rediscovering Education
The Cause - Rob Pirie
08/29/23 • 7 min
Welcome Everyone!
When did our education system die? I think about that often...
Please join me in embarking on the Harvard Classics Series by Dr. Charles Elliot. This series dates back to around 1910 and is a collection of literature that I believe needs to be revived and rediscovered. I look forward to reading and discussing all 50 volumes with you as we learn about the great ideas of those who came before us. Feel free to reach out with any questions as I would love to hear from you!
If you would like to support this series please consider purchasing my coffee linked below.
• Coffee Website: http://cedarotacoffee.com/
*Use Code "THECAUSE" for 15% off on your first order.
FAVORITE BOOKS:
• Plato - The Republic: https://amzn.to/456FIKp
• Plato/Aristotle Starter: https://amzn.to/45u26xq
• Alexander Hamilton: https://amzn.to/44pzKn7
• The Hero of Two Worlds: https://amzn.to/3KFrOa2
• Washington: A Life - Ron Chernow: https://amzn.to/44jcaZ8
AUDIBLE LINK
•https://amzn.to/3L3WbYb
Most of these classic works can be found on Audible and most are in the free catalog. If finding time to read a physical book is not an option this may be something to consider.
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Cause - Rob Pirie have?
The Cause - Rob Pirie currently has 52 episodes available.
What topics does The Cause - Rob Pirie cover?
The podcast is about Classical Education, Podcasts, Books, History Podcast, Self-Improvement, Education, Homeschool and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on The Cause - Rob Pirie?
The episode title 'The Story of Marcus Aurelius - "Christian Persecution" | "Slave Owner" - Harvard Classics - HC2 Ep10' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Cause - Rob Pirie?
The average episode length on The Cause - Rob Pirie is 14 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Cause - Rob Pirie released?
Episodes of The Cause - Rob Pirie are typically released every 10 days, 20 hours.
When was the first episode of The Cause - Rob Pirie?
The first episode of The Cause - Rob Pirie was released on Aug 29, 2023.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ