#852 - Dan Jones - The Untold Story Of England’s Greatest King

At a Glance

• Understanding History’s Value - ’exercise your mind without, you know, turning over the anxieties of the moment.’ This quote emphasizes the therapeutic and educational value of studying history to gain perspective and escape current anxieties.

• Impact of Technology on Politics - ’the advent of the printing press in the 15th century… communications revolution ends up with a reformation’ This point highlights a historical parallel drawn between the impact of the printing press and modern digital technology, suggesting a transformative effect on societal structures.

• Great Man Theory Discussion - ’the world was maybe shaped by mostly men in the past… I can see why that would be unpopular’ This reflects on the controversial ‘Great Man Theory’ and its reception in modern egalitarian views, sparking a debate about historical influence.

• Henry V’s Leadership Style - ‘make sure he’s locked up double the guard like he’s gonna try and tell you this that and the other’ This showcases an example of micro-management and strict leadership from historical figure Henry V, providing insight into his governance and personal style.

• Modern Political Polarization - ‘you are either one thing or the other because with those political definitions, just how very seldom do they map onto one individual’s sort of package of thoughts’ The discussion here criticizes the binary nature of modern politics, emphasizing the complexity of individual political beliefs versus party lines.

• Historical Storytelling - ‘do we as human beings best understand the world through the stories of individuals?’ This point underscores the human tendency to comprehend history and complex events through narratives centered around individuals, highlighting a fundamental aspect of storytelling.

• Humorous Insight on Historical Figures - ’the one time that your grandfather saw Henry go past in his carriage, that kind of thing to me seems like it would be, and he looked him in the eye and that was a blessed moment.’ This funny remark illustrates how historical encounters are romanticized in family stories, adding a light-hearted touch to the discussion of history’s personal impact.

What to Do

• ‘Engage with history to gain perspective’ - ‘Studying history allows us to see patterns in human behavior over the centuries and helps us understand the present better, providing a broader perspective on current events.’

• ‘Analyze evidence-based arguments’ - ‘Approaching discussions and debates with a focus on evidence rather than ideology leads to more balanced and nuanced conclusions.’

• ‘Value individual thought in politics’ - ‘Recognizing that personal beliefs might not neatly align with a single political party encourages more authentic and thoughtful political engagement.’

• ‘Appreciate the importance of diverse roles in society’ - ‘Understanding that all roles, whether traditionally male or female, have intrinsic value prevents gender biases and promotes equality.’

• ‘Avoid performative judgments in historical analysis’ - ‘Historians should focus on presenting facts and evidence without unnecessary moral judgments to maintain objectivity and credibility.’

• ‘Utilize history as a tool for relaxation and escape’ - ‘Engaging with historical narratives can provide a retreat from the stresses of modern life, offering mental relief and a sense of groundedness.’

What to Get

• Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England’s Greatest Warrior King by Dan Jones - Amazon - Used for historical analysis and understanding of specific periods in human history.

• Powers and Thrones by Dan Jones - Amazon - Used to analyze historical forces and events over a millennium.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari - Amazon - Used for broad historical education and understanding of human evolution and societal development.

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, the speakers delve into a rich discussion about the significance and utility of studying history. They emphasize history’s role as a tool for contextualizing current events and understanding long-term human behaviors. The conversation highlights the practical skills history imparts, such as critical analysis and evidence-based reasoning, which are valuable beyond academic fields.

One of the more captivating points made during the episode is the concept of the “never ending now,” introduced by David Perrell. This idea pertains to the contemporary media consumption pattern where most content is extremely recent, leading to a fleeting collective memory and attention span. The speakers argue that this phenomenon distorts our perception of importance, making whatever is happening right now seem disproportionately significant.

The discussion also touches on the influence of individual leaders throughout history, a topic that sparks a debate on the ‘great man theory.’ The speakers argue that while history often focuses on influential figures, it is equally shaped by broader societal and technological forces. They suggest that understanding history involves recognizing the interplay between individual actions and overarching trends.

Furthermore, the episode explores the biases present in historical interpretation and the importance of maintaining a critical and balanced viewpoint. The speakers critique the modern trend of moral judgment in historical analysis, emphasizing the need for historians to remain objective and focus on presenting facts rather than imposing contemporary values on historical events.

Overall, the podcast offers a thought-provoking discussion that challenges listeners to consider how history is crafted and consumed. It advocates for a more nuanced appreciation of the past, suggesting that this can provide valuable insights into present and future challenges.