Description

In this final episode of Hot Takes on the Classics’ season on war, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh reflect on the biggest lessons they’ve learned from reading and discussing some of history’s greatest war literature. From the moral cost of battle to the intoxicating nature of the battlefield, they break down key themes that have emerged across texts like The Iliad, War and Peace, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Killer Angels, Mein Kampf, and The Art of War. Tim also shares his final hot take of the season—how the male drive for hierarchy fuels both war and its aftermath.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

02:00 War as a Moral Harm: The Psychological Toll on Soldiers

07:10 Propaganda and Modern Warfare: The Power of Messaging in War

12:45 The Leader’s Role: How a Single Commander Can Change a Battle

18:09 The Importance of Ending a War Quickly: Why Prolonged Battles Are the Worst Wars

24:30 The Battlefield as an Intoxicating Experience: The Clarity and Unity of War

30:50 The Shift in Warfare: Why Modern Wars Lost Their Heroic Narrative

38:20 Tim’s Hot Take: The Male Drive for Hierarchy and War’s Inescapable Cycle

45:30 Closing Reflections and Next Season Preview on Love

Key Topics & Takeaways

• War as a Moral Harm: Every soldier carries the burden of battle long after it ends. Texts like All Quiet on the Western Front depict the lasting psychological toll of combat.
• Propaganda Shapes Public Perception and War Outcomes: From Mein Kampf to modern conflicts, propaganda plays a crucial role in rallying nations and justifying war.
• The Role of Great Leaders in Battle: Figures like Caesar in The Gallic Wars, Napoleon, and Joshua Chamberlain in The Killer Angels demonstrate how one leader’s decisions can shift the course of history.
• The Importance of Ending War Quickly: The Art of War and The Iliad emphasize that prolonged wars benefit no one and often lead to unnecessary suffering.
• The Intoxication of the Battlefield: The heightened clarity, unity, and adrenaline of combat make war a uniquely immersive human experience, as seen in War and Peace and The Iliad.
• Modern Warfare’s Shift from Heroic Battles to Mechanized Slaughter: All Quiet on the Western Front and The Killer Angels highlight how advances in technology have removed the human element from combat, making war more impersonal and destructive.
• Tim’s Hot Take: The Male Hierarchy Drive as a Key Force in War: Many wars—ancient and modern—are fueled by male ambition, competition, and the need to restore honor, as illustrated in Plutarch’s Lives, Mein Kampf, and The Iliad.

Questions & Discussion

• How does war change those who fight in it?
  Examine the psychological and moral harm of battle across different time periods.
• Is propaganda always wrong, or is it necessary in modern war?
  Discuss whether shaping public opinion is an unavoidable reality of war.
• Why do great leaders shift the tide of battle?
  Explore historical examples from Julius Caesar to General Kutuzov in War and Peace.
• Why is the battlefield such an intoxicating experience?
  Reflect on how war can bring a clarity and unity that few other experiences provide.
• Does modern technology make war less heroic?
  Consider how the shift from swords to machine guns changed the way we perceive war.
• Is the male drive for hierarchy an inescapable part of war?
  Analyze Tim’s hot take on whether war is inevitable due to human nature.

Suggested Reading

• The Iliad by Homer
• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
• All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
• The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
• Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler (scholarly annotated editions recommended)
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore how war shaped modern music and art, breaking traditional forms and redefining artistic expression. They dive into Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Picasso’s Guernica, Otto Dix’s War Triptych, and more, unpacking how these revolutionary works capture the chaos, destruction, and emotional weight of the 20th century. Emily also shares a compelling hot take on why modern artists rejected beauty—seeing it as a deception—and how that shift reshaped the way we understand art today.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

02:10 The 20th Century: A Century of Explosion and Death

06:15 Modern Art as a Rejection of Traditional Forms

09:24 Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring: The Music That Started a Riot

18:09 The Primal and the Brutal: How Stravinsky and Freud Influenced Modernism

24:30 Otto Dix’s War Triptych: Turning the Crucifixion into a Battlefield

30:50 Picasso’s Guernica: The Most Powerful Anti-War Painting Ever Created

38:20 Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries: The Soundtrack of War and Nazi Ideology

45:30 Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs: A Lament for War’s Aftermath

50:15 Emily’s Hot Take: Why Modern Artists Rejected Beauty

55:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The Destruction of Form: The 20th century saw a rebellion against artistic traditions—music, painting, and literature all broke away from structure to embrace chaos and fragmentation.
• Stravinsky’s Musical Bombshell: The Rite of Spring shattered expectations with its dissonance and erratic rhythms, symbolizing the coming destruction of World War I.
• Otto Dix and the Horrors of Trench Warfare: His War Triptych reimagined religious art, placing the crucifixion of Christ alongside the dead and mutilated soldiers of World War I.
• Picasso’s Protest Against Fascism: Guernica remains one of the most haunting depictions of war’s brutality, a visual scream against Hitler’s atrocities.
• Wagner’s Influence on Nazi Germany: Hitler adored Wagner’s operas, particularly Ride of the Valkyries, for their heroic and militaristic themes.
• Finding Beauty in Tragedy: Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs offers a return to form and a meditation on grief, closing the season on war with a mother’s lament.

Questions & Discussion

• How does The Rite of Spring symbolize the collapse of traditional artistic forms?
  Discuss Stravinsky’s use of polyrhythms and dissonance as a musical revolution.
• What makes Otto Dix’s War Triptych so powerful?
  Examine how Dix used religious imagery to highlight the devastation of World War I.
• Why was Guernica considered so dangerous by Hitler?
  Explore how Picasso’s work became an international symbol of anti-fascist resistance.
• How did Wagner’s music become intertwined with Nazi ideology?
  Analyze Hitler’s obsession with Wagner and the role of music in political propaganda.
• Is there still a place for beauty in modern art?
  Consider Emily’s hot take on why 20th-century artists rejected beauty and whether it can be reclaimed.

Suggested Reading

• The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky
• War Triptych by Otto Dix
• Guernica by Pablo Picasso
• Ride of the Valkyries by Richard Wagner
• Symphony of Sorrowful Songs by Henryk Górecki

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle one of the most infamous books ever written: Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Though poorly written and filled with contradictions, this book remains essential for understanding the ideological roots of Nazi Germany. Emily and Tim examine Hitler’s obsession with racial purity, his hatred of democracy, and his belief in war as the highest expression of human civilization. They also explore how Mein Kampf foreshadowed the Holocaust and the expansionist policies of Nazi Germany. Emily delivers a scorching hot take on why Mein Kampf should still be required reading—and how failing to study it allows history to repeat itself.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and the Problem with Infamous Books

03:16 Why Mein Kampf is Among the Most Dangerous Books Ever Written

07:40 Who Was Hitler Before He Became the Führer?

12:10 Hitler’s Time in Vienna: Failure, Resentment, and Radicalization

18:09 The Austro-Hungarian Empire: The “Chaos” That Shaped Hitler’s Worldview

24:30 The Aftermath of World War I and the Rise of Nazi Ideology

29:50 Hitler’s Hatred: The Jews, Democracy, and Parliamentary Rule

35:20 The Role of Propaganda: Hitler’s Mastery of Manipulation

42:00 The Blueprint for War: Why Mein Kampf Revealed Everything

50:15 Emily’s Hot Take: Mein Kampf Should Be Required Reading

55:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The Power of Propaganda: Hitler openly states that effective propaganda does not seek truth but manipulates the masses through emotion and repetition.
• War as the Ultimate Ideal: Hitler viewed war as the highest expression of civilization, rejecting peace as weakness.
• The Roots of Genocide: Mein Kampf makes clear that Hitler believed certain groups—especially Jews—had no right to exist and must be eradicated.
• The Dangers of Ideology: Hitler’s thinking is not philosophical but purely ideological, rejecting complexity in favor of extreme black-and-white thinking.
• Why Mein Kampf Is Not Just an Historical Artifact: Many dismiss the book as the rantings of a madman, but its influence continues to be felt today in political rhetoric, propaganda tactics, and extremist movements.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Mein Kampf reveal Hitler’s ability to manipulate the masses?
  Discuss his approach to propaganda and how it shaped Nazi Germany’s rise to power.
• What does Hitler’s obsession with racial purity tell us about his worldview?
  Examine how he blends social Darwinism with pseudo-scientific racial theories to justify his ideology.
• How does Mein Kampf reflect Hitler’s personal failures?
  Consider how his rejection from art school, time in Vienna, and experience in World War I shaped his resentments.
• What role did the Treaty of Versailles play in Hitler’s rise?
  Analyze how Germany’s post-war humiliation gave him a platform to spread his nationalist ideas.
• Should Mein Kampf still be read today?
  Debate Emily’s hot take on why ignoring this book allows dangerous ideologies to persist.

Suggested Reading

• Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler (scholarly annotated editions recommended)
• The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque’s searing anti-war novel that captures the brutal reality of World War I through the eyes of a young German soldier. They discuss how Remarque’s own experience as a soldier shaped his portrayal of trench warfare, the disillusionment of soldiers, and the alienation of the so-called “Lost Generation.” Emily also delivers a hot take on why this book was one of the most dangerous threats to Nazi ideology—and why its message remains as urgent today as ever.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

01:40 Why World War I Was a Turning Point in Modern Warfare

07:10 Erich Maria Remarque: A Soldier-Turned-Author and His Controversial Book

12:45 Paul Bäumer and His Band of Brothers: The Emotional Core of the Story

18:09 Life in the Trenches: Fear, Rats, and the Slow March to Death

23:30 The Meaning of Boots: A Chilling Symbol of a Soldier’s Disposable Life

29:50 The Horror of Modern Warfare: Gas Attacks, Artillery, and Machine Guns

35:20 Alienation and Home Leave: Paul’s Return to a Life He No Longer Understands

40:00 The Death of Comrades: How War Steals Everything

45:30 Emily’s Hot Take: Why the Nazis Had to Burn this Book

50:15 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• 
  The End of Romanticism in War: All Quiet on the Western Front dismantles the idea of war as glorious, instead exposing it as senseless slaughter.
• Life in the Trenches: Remarque’s firsthand experience captures the terror of daily existence on the front—starvation, bombardments, and the dehumanization of soldiers.
• The Meaning of Boots: A soldier’s death is immediately followed by his comrades taking his boots, symbolizing how little an individual life matters in war.
• The Lie of Patriotism: Paul and his fellow soldiers grow disillusioned with the nationalistic rhetoric that led them into a war they no longer understand.
• Why the Nazis Hated This Book: Remarque’s portrayal of war directly contradicted Nazi propaganda about German heroism, leading to its censorship and public book burnings.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Remarque use Paul Bäumer to explore the psychological effects of war?
  Discuss how Paul’s narration reflects his transformation from an idealistic youth to a detached survivor.
• Why is trench warfare so central to All Quiet on the Western Front?
  Analyze how Remarque captures the physical and psychological toll of life in the trenches.
• What does the novel say about the relationship between soldiers and authority figures?
  Examine how figures like Kantorek and Himmelstoss represent misguided patriotism and military hierarchy.
• How does Paul’s home leave reveal the divide between soldiers and civilians?
  Consider why Paul feels more alienated at home than on the battlefield.
• Why did the Nazis fear this book?
  Explore Emily’s hot take on how All Quiet on the Western Front challenged Nazi propaganda about war and national identity.

Suggested Reading

• All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
• Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain (for a British perspective on World War I)

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel that brings the Battle of Gettysburg to life. They discuss how Shaara blends fact and fiction to create a gripping narrative that captures the heroism, strategy, and fateful decisions that shaped the course of the Civil War. Tim and Emily examine the roles of key historical figures, including Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, while unpacking the novel’s central theme—the transformation of warfare in the 19th century. Tim also delivers a bold hot take: Joshua Chamberlain is the greatest soldier in American history.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

02:14 The Battle of Gettysburg: A War-Defining Moment

05:38 The Stalemate of the Civil War and the Pressure on Lincoln

07:54 Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels: Historical Fiction or Fact?

12:45 Robert E. Lee vs. James Longstreet: Honor vs. Military Strategy

18:09 The Changing Nature of Warfare: Why Longstreet Saw the Future

24:30 The Defense of Little Round Top: Chamberlain’s Leadership Under Fire

30:50 The Tactical and Psychological Impact of the Bayonet Charge

38:20 Tim’s Hot Take: Why Joshua Chamberlain Is America’s Greatest Soldier

43:25 Closing Reflections and Preview of Next Episode

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The High Stakes of Gettysburg: The outcome of this three-day battle determined the course of the Civil War and possibly the fate of the United States.
• Michael Shaara’s Historical Vision: The Killer Angels is a work of historical fiction that takes liberties in character interactions but remains deeply rooted in historical facts.
• The Changing Face of Warfare: The novel highlights how technological advancements—particularly the shift from muskets to rifles—made traditional battlefield tactics obsolete.
• Lee vs. Longstreet: A Clash of Military Philosophies: The novel portrays Longstreet as a forward-thinking general advocating for defensive tactics, while Lee insists on traditional assaults.
• Chamberlain’s Heroic Stand at Little Round Top: The Union colonel’s daring bayonet charge saved the left flank of the army and arguably secured victory at Gettysburg.
• The Psychological and Strategic Realities of War: Shaara captures the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers and commanders, challenging the idea of war as a purely noble endeavor.
• Tim’s Hot Take: Joshua Chamberlain as America’s Greatest Soldier: Chamberlain’s actions at Gettysburg, his military career, and his post-war leadership make him a uniquely remarkable figure in U.S. history.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Shaara balance historical accuracy with fictional storytelling?
  Discuss the novel’s approach to dialogue and characterization, particularly in portraying Longstreet and Chamberlain.
• Why was Gettysburg the turning point of the Civil War?
  Explore how a single battle could shift the momentum of an entire war.
• What made Joshua Chamberlain’s leadership at Little Round Top so extraordinary?
  Analyze his decision to order a bayonet charge despite having no ammunition left.
• Was Longstreet’s defensive strategy the right call?
  Debate whether Longstreet’s vision of modern warfare could have changed the outcome of Gettysburg.
• Is Joshua Chamberlain the greatest American soldier?
  Reflect on Tim’s hot take and compare Chamberlain’s legacy to other military leaders in U.S. history.

Suggested Reading

• The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, an unexpected and deeply admired work from the celebrated author. They explore Twain’s fascination with Joan’s extraordinary life, her divine visions, and her rise from an illiterate peasant to a military leader who reshaped the course of French history. Emily and Tim discuss Joan’s divine mission, her legendary victories, and the tragic betrayal that led to her martyrdom. Emily also delivers a hot take on why Joan of Arc should not be seen as a feminist icon—but rather as a singular figure whose story transcends modern labels.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

01:36 Mark Twain’s Surprising Admiration for Joan of Arc

07:18 Setting the Historical Context: France After Agincourt

12:45 Joan’s Early Life: Divine Voices and Early Trials

18:09 The Path to the Dauphin: Courage Against All Odds

24:30 Military Leadership: The Siege of Orléans and Beyond

33:10 Betrayal and Trial: The Injustice of Joan’s Martyrdom

42:00 Mark Twain’s Perspective on Joan’s Legacy

50:15 Emily’s Hot Take: Joan of Arc Was Not a Feminist Icon

55:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Mark Twain’s Devotion to Joan: Twain, despite his agnosticism and anti-Catholic leanings, called Joan the “most extraordinary person the human race has ever produced” and spent over a decade researching her life.
• Joan’s Divine Mission: Guided by visions of St. Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine, Joan’s mission to liberate France from English rule defied all expectations.
• Military Genius Without Training: Joan’s ability to inspire her troops and lead strategic victories, such as at Orléans, marked her as a singular figure in military history.
• The Injustice of Her Trial: Joan’s sham trial, betrayal by the Burgundians, and execution as a heretic highlight the political machinations behind her martyrdom.
• A Legacy Beyond Feminism: Emily argues that Joan’s significance lies in her divine mission and unparalleled conviction, not in modern feminist interpretations.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Joan of Arc challenge modern perceptions of leadership?
  Explore how her humility and faith-based mission contrast with contemporary ideals of power and influence.
• What makes Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc unique among his works?
  Reflect on Twain’s shift from satire to heartfelt admiration in crafting this historical narrative.
• How did Joan’s military strategy inspire her troops?
  Analyze her insistence on bold, decisive action and the morale she fostered among her soldiers.
• What role did faith play in Joan’s leadership and martyrdom?
  Consider how her religious conviction fueled her actions and shaped her ultimate legacy.
• Should Joan of Arc be seen as a feminist icon?
  Debate Emily’s hot take that Joan’s mission was rooted in divine obedience rather than gender equality.

Suggested Reading

• Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain
• Joan of Arc: A History by Helen Castor
  
  

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh unpack Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, a foundational text in military theory. They explore Clausewitz’s revolutionary ideas on the relationship between war and politics, his emphasis on total commitment in warfare, and the enduring relevance of his theories. The hosts also examine how Clausewitz’s firsthand experiences fighting Napoleon shaped his philosophy and discuss the critical role of his wife, Marie von Brühl, in shaping his work. Tim shares a provocative hot take, arguing that Clausewitz’s lack of classical education may have been the key to his groundbreaking view of war.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Podcast Review Request

01:06 Who Was Carl von Clausewitz? Prussian Soldier Turned Military Theorist

04:15 The French Revolution and Napoleon’s Impact on Warfare

09:24 Clausewitz’s Battlefield Experience and Lifelong Study of War

14:45 Marie von Brühl: The Woman Behind On War

18:09 Defining War: The Nature of Violence and the Pursuit of Political Goals

23:30 War as a Continuation of Politics by Other Means

29:50 The Problem of "Kindhearted" Warfare and the Need for Total Commitment

35:20 Clausewitz vs. Modern Wars: Vietnam and the Costs of Limited Engagement

40:00 Tim’s Hot Take: How Skipping the Classics Shaped Clausewitz’s Theory

45:00 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• War as Politics by Other Means: Clausewitz’s assertion that war is an extension of political policy underscores the inseparable link between military strategy and statecraft.
• The Brutality of Total War: Clausewitz argued that war demands the complete destruction of the enemy’s will to fight, cautioning against strategies that prolong conflict through partial measures.
• Art or Science?: Rejecting Enlightenment ideals, Clausewitz viewed war as an art shaped by human behavior rather than a science governed by fixed laws.
• The Fog of War: His concept of the "fog of war" highlights the chaos and uncertainty inherent in battle, a key insight derived from his own military experience.
• Modern Implications: Clausewitz’s ideas continue to influence military strategy, particularly in understanding the dynamics of limited engagements like the Vietnam War.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Clausewitz’s definition of war challenge traditional views of warfare?
  Explore his argument that war is inherently violent and directly tied to political objectives.
• Why does Clausewitz warn against “kindhearted” warfare?
  Discuss how partial or limited measures in war can lead to prolonged and more devastating conflicts.
• How does Clausewitz’s rejection of scientific warfare differ from Enlightenment thinking?
  Reflect on his view of war as chaotic and unsystematic, in contrast to Enlightenment efforts to rationalize human conflict.
• What modern conflicts illustrate Clausewitz’s theory?
  Analyze how his ideas apply to Vietnam and other contemporary wars, particularly the concept of total commitment.
• Was Clausewitz’s lack of classical education an advantage or a disadvantage?
  Debate Tim’s hot take on how Clausewitz’s independence from traditional classical training may have sharpened his unique perspective on war.

Suggested Reading

• On War by Carl von Clausewitz

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle Leo Tolstoy’s monumental War and Peace. They explore how Tolstoy weaves the lives of Russian aristocrats with the chaos of Napoleon’s invasion, balancing themes of love, honor, fate, and the unpredictability of war. Tim delivers a bold hot take, arguing that Tolstoy belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Western literature and shares a practical strategy to help readers conquer this epic masterpiece.

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Quote and Episode Introduction

01:06 Why War and Peace Is Worth the Read (Despite Its Length)

04:15 Is War and Peace an Epic? (And Who Is the Hero?)

09:24 Russia vs. Europe: Tolstoy’s Cultural Commentary

12:45 Pierre Bezukhov: The Awkward Hero

18:09 Prince Andrei and Natasha Rostov: Duty, Desire, and Growth

23:30 General Kutuzov: The Wisdom of Patience in War

29:50 The Philosophy of History: Tolstoy’s Breaks in the Narrative

36:20 The Russian Soul vs. Enlightenment Rationality

41:00 Tim’s Hot Take: Tolstoy on the Mount Rushmore of Literature

47:01 Closing Remarks and Reading Challenge

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Life Amid War: Tolstoy masterfully captures the ordinary rhythms of life against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion, blending intimate human drama with sweeping historical events.
• Pierre Bezukhov, The Relatable Hero: Pierre’s awkwardness, existential questions, and search for meaning make him one of literature’s most human protagonists.
• Kutuzov’s Wisdom: General Kutuzov embodies the power of patience, showing that restraint and non-action can outmaneuver the Enlightenment ideal of rational warfare.
• The Philosophy of History: Tolstoy critiques the “great man” theory, arguing that history is driven by countless small, unpredictable factors rather than individual genius.
• Russia’s Identity Crisis: The novel explores the tension between Russian tradition and European influence, asking whether Russia should embrace Western ideals or remain true to its unique culture.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Tolstoy blur the line between fiction and history in War and Peace?
  Reflect on how historical figures like Napoleon interact with fictional characters like Pierre and Andrei.
• What makes Pierre Bezukhov a compelling hero?
  Discuss how Pierre’s internal struggles reflect broader themes of fate, free will, and the search for meaning.
• How does General Kutuzov’s strategy challenge Enlightenment ideals about war?
  Explore how patience and non-action serve as effective tactics against Napoleon’s forces.
• Why does Tolstoy interrupt the narrative with essays on history and free will?
  Analyze how these philosophical interludes deepen the reader’s understanding of the novel’s themes.
• Is Tolstoy correct in criticizing the “great man” theory of history?
  Debate whether history is shaped more by individuals or collective forces.

Suggested Reading

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (Constance Garnett or Pevear & Volokhonsky translations)
• “Wisdom and Folly in War and Peace” (First Things article)