Sir Niall Ferguson: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy | The Book Club
How does war reshape not only nations—but the souls of those who live through it? In War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy sets Napoleon’s invasion of Russia as the backdrop for what many consider the greatest novel ever written. Michael Knowles is joined by renowned historian and author Niall Ferguson to explore how the chaos of war ripples through the lives of everyday citizens—from peasants and soldiers to aristocratic families. More than a historical epic, War and Peace is a powerful meditation on love, destiny, and the human spirit in times of upheaval.
Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com or download the PragerU app: https://l.prageru.com/45GvWlu
Follow PragerU on social media:
YouTube
Instagram
X/Twitter
Facebook
Rumble
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:09:22
--------
1:09:22
Viva Frei: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Is the pursuit of a dream worth it, even if it’s torn apart in the end? In The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman determined to break a long streak of bad luck. Venturing far into the open sea, he hooks the catch of a lifetime—but as he battles to bring it home, he watches it slowly devoured by sharks. Michael Knowles is joined by popular Canadian podcaster Viva Frei to explore the deeper meaning behind Hemingway’s classic—its Christian symbolism, themes of suffering and redemption, and how even in defeat, the human spirit can triumph.
Follow PragerU on social media:
YouTube
Instagram
X/Twitter
Facebook
Rumble
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
34:09
--------
34:09
Neil Shenvi: The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis
What’s wrong with saying “my truth” and embracing moral relativism? In The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis warns that abandoning objective truth doesn’t just erode morality—it opens the door for manipulation by those in power. Decades later, his prophetic critique is more relevant than ever. Join Michael Knowles and Neil Shenvi, a Christian apologist, author, and chemist, as they explore Lewis’s timeless insights into natural law, the dangers of subjective morality, and how rejecting truth ultimately leads to tyranny.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
33:23
--------
33:23
Michael Malice: The Call of the Wild by Jack London
What does it take to survive when civilization falls away? The Call of the Wild is more than a story about a dog thrust into the harsh wilderness during the Gold Rush—it’s an exploration of survival, instinct, and the untamed spirit within us all. Join Michael Knowles and Michael Malice as they delve into Jack London’s timeless tale of transformation, uncovering profound lessons about strength and resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
28:08
--------
28:08
Joseph Fornieri: On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
Can you do whatever you want—even harm yourself—as long as you don’t harm others? In On Liberty, John Stuart Mill warns against threats to personal freedom, especially through the “tyranny of the majority.” Michael Knowles is joined by Joe Fournier, a political science professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, to explore Mill's classic work, the importance of defending free speech and personal choice, and why individualism is essential for true progress.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices