Our culture at Meriwether is one of the wide reaching and eclectic man. One who desires an understanding of the cosmos and how to debate policy, to contemplate Greece and wrestle with Virginia, to study history and to apply those lessons to the present. We believe that the Man of the future is the man of well-rounded character, and not specialized isolationism. Hence, our Fall reading list contains a wide mix of topics covering science, politics, technology, history, and philosophy.
So please enjoy grabbing a few of these titles this season! We find them to be exciting and worthy of adding to your wisdom.
Science – Coming of Age in the Milky Way by Timothy Ferris
From the second-century celestial models of Ptolemy to modern-day research institutes and quantum theory, this classic book offers a breathtaking tour of astronomy and the brilliant, eccentric personalities who have shaped it. From the first time mankind had an inkling of the vast space that surrounds us, those who study the universe have had to struggle against political and religious preconceptions. They have included some of the most charismatic, courageous, and idiosyncratic thinkers of all time. In Coming of Age in the Milky Way, Timothy Ferris uses his unique blend of rigorous research and captivating narrative skill to draw us into the lives and minds of these extraordinary figures, creating a landmark work of scientific history.
Buy a Copy Here
Autobiography – Theodore Roosevelt: Autobiography
A new edition of the Autobiography of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, originally published in 1913. A captivating account of Roosevelt’s early life and career, covering his military exploits with the Rough Riders and his political career in New York, up through his vice presidency and presidency, Theodore Roosevelt: An Autobiography is considered to be one of the best written and revealing presidential memoirs of the early 20th century, reflecting its author’s unique charm and rhetorical flair, and his innovative and history-making philosophy of politics and leadership.
Technology – Dark Aeon: Transhumanism and The War Against of Humanity by Joe Allen
Like a thief in the night, artificial intelligence has inserted itself into our lives. It makes important decisions for us every day. Often, we barely notice. As Joe Allen writes in this groundbreaking book, “Transhumanism is the great merger of humankind with the Machine. At this stage in history, it consists of billions using smartphones. Going forward, we’ll be hardwiring our brains to artificial intelligence systems.”
The world-famous robot, Sophia, symbolizes a rising techno-religion. She takes her name from the goddess—or Aeon—whose fall from grace is described in the Gnostic Gospels.
With an academic background in both science and theology, Allen confronts the paradox of what he calls “good people constructing a digital abomination.” Dark Aeon is nothing less than a cri de coeur for humanity itself. He takes us on a roller coaster ride through history and the emergence of Scientism, and from government-mandated mRNA vaccines to the weird visions of cyborg billionaires like Elon Musk.
From Silicon Valley to China, these globalists’ visions of humanity’s future, exposed and described in Dark Aeon, are dire and terrifying. But Joe Allen argues that humanity’s salvation is within our grasp. Only if we refuse to avert our eyes from the impending twilight before us.
Adventure – Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen Ambrose
In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson selected his personal secretary, Captain Meriwether Lewis, to lead a voyage up the Missouri River to the Rockies, over the mountains, down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean, and back. Lewis and his partner, Captain William Clark, made the first map of the trans-Mississippi West, provided invaluable scientific data on the flora and fauna of the Louisiana Purchase territory, and established the American claim to Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
Ambrose has pieced together previously unknown information about weather, terrain, and medical knowledge at the time to provide a vivid backdrop for the expedition. Lewis is supported by a rich variety of colorful characters, first of all Jefferson himself, whose interest in exploring and acquiring the American West went back thirty years. Next comes Clark, a rugged frontiersman whose love for Lewis matched Jefferson’s. There are numerous Indian chiefs, and Sacagawea, the Indian girl who accompanied the expedition, along with the French-Indian hunter Drouillard, the great naturalists of Philadelphia, the French and Spanish fur traders of St. Louis, John Quincy Adams, and many more leading political, scientific, and military figures of the turn of the century.
High adventure, high politics, suspense, drama, and diplomacy combine with high romance and personal tragedy to make this outstanding work of scholarship as readable as a novel.
Education – The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundation of Classical Learning by Leigh Bortins
In the past, correct spelling, the multiplication tables, the names of the state capitals and the American presidents were basics that all children were taught in school. Today, many children graduate without this essential knowledge. Most curricula today follow a haphazard sampling of topics with a focus on political correctness instead of teaching students how to study. Leigh Bortins, a leading figure in the homeschooling community, is having none of it. She believes that there are core areas of knowledge that are essential to master. Without knowing the multiplication tables, children can’t advance to algebra. Without mastery of grammar, students will have difficulty expressing themselves. Without these essential building blocks of knowledge, students may remember information but they will never possess a broad and deep understanding of how the world works. In The Core, Bortins gives parents the tools and methodology to implement a rigorous, thorough, and broad curriculum based on the classical model, including:
– Rote memorization to cement knowledge
– Systematic learning of geography, historical facts, and timelines
– Reading the great books and seminal historical documents instead of adaptations and abridged editions
– Rigorous training in math and the natural sciences
Enjoying one of these titles, please let us know by tagging us on social media or by emailing warren@meriwetheracademy.com