Hi Sean, I’m a bit confused. I joined The Book Club this past weekend (current book East of Eden). I’m wondering if I should have joined Athenaeum. Will the former provide an opportunity for a deep dive into the Great Books in similari fashion?
Great question! Both clubs are wonderful. I run each so the discussions themselves are similar.
The difference is Culturist is primarily centered on modern books (18-20th century) whereas ABC is more all-encompassing in scope (antiquity, medieval, modern).
The other difference is the Culturist Book Club is one dimension of the full publication - meaning the full publication of Culturist pertains to the broad pursuit of truth beauty and goodness (its weekly articles cover a wide range of topics beyond strictly literature).
Athenaeum was founded as a book club - so all its additional content tends to be literature focused and supplemental to the readings.
So you can’t go wrong with either imo - both clubs are great, it’s more a matter of personal taste.
Hi Sean. Thank you so much for explaining this. I shall stick with the current subscription as I really do enjoy the broader scope of material I’ve seen so far. As I write I was just watching you in an interview on Parker’s Pensees - whilst eating much here in London! Very much looking forward to reading/re engaging with the classics.
I really enjoyed this. Especially like the idea of reading not just for knowledge, but as something that can actually change the direction of your life, and that certain books arrive at the right moment and make you question what you thought you wanted.
Loved this piece! You articulated exactly what I was feeling: great books nourish the soul when modern life comforts largely ignored it. There’s immense intellectual satisfaction in engaging with real writing and, for me, recalibrating my attention span along the way. A win-win!
I too fell in love with literature by following Edmond’s fraught adventure from despair to redemption. It’s still my favorite book. I’m always reading or listening to it.
…and I adore Plato. Euthyphro and Theaetetus are my favorites.
Thanks for choosing the adventure toward Truth! I’m thrilled to join you here.👍🏻
Very well said...
Thanks BM!
Hi Sean, I’m a bit confused. I joined The Book Club this past weekend (current book East of Eden). I’m wondering if I should have joined Athenaeum. Will the former provide an opportunity for a deep dive into the Great Books in similari fashion?
Love to hear it! Parker’s amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the book club discussions!
Hi Sean. Great to join my first book club zoom this evening (5pm London time!). Really enjoyed it.
Great question! Both clubs are wonderful. I run each so the discussions themselves are similar.
The difference is Culturist is primarily centered on modern books (18-20th century) whereas ABC is more all-encompassing in scope (antiquity, medieval, modern).
The other difference is the Culturist Book Club is one dimension of the full publication - meaning the full publication of Culturist pertains to the broad pursuit of truth beauty and goodness (its weekly articles cover a wide range of topics beyond strictly literature).
Athenaeum was founded as a book club - so all its additional content tends to be literature focused and supplemental to the readings.
So you can’t go wrong with either imo - both clubs are great, it’s more a matter of personal taste.
After East of Eden, do we know what book comes next? Many thanks!
After East of Eden, we’ll hold a book voting (same day or day after on 9/9 or 9/10), and will announce next book that day!
Hi Sean. Thank you so much for explaining this. I shall stick with the current subscription as I really do enjoy the broader scope of material I’ve seen so far. As I write I was just watching you in an interview on Parker’s Pensees - whilst eating much here in London! Very much looking forward to reading/re engaging with the classics.
Thank you for this poignant reflection
I especially like your mention of Plato's apology.
Censorship often confirm's the veracity of one's opinion, like it was the case for Socrates.
Have you faced similar opposition building the Athenaeum Book Club?
I'm an avid reader, but I really related to this through my experience with orchestral music. Loved reading this—thank you!
I really enjoyed this. Especially like the idea of reading not just for knowledge, but as something that can actually change the direction of your life, and that certain books arrive at the right moment and make you question what you thought you wanted.
As someone whose life was also changed by the Count of Monte Cristo—I couldn’t relate to this more.
Very much resonate with this
Loved this piece! You articulated exactly what I was feeling: great books nourish the soul when modern life comforts largely ignored it. There’s immense intellectual satisfaction in engaging with real writing and, for me, recalibrating my attention span along the way. A win-win!
Love this Sean.
I too fell in love with literature by following Edmond’s fraught adventure from despair to redemption. It’s still my favorite book. I’m always reading or listening to it.
…and I adore Plato. Euthyphro and Theaetetus are my favorites.
Thanks for choosing the adventure toward Truth! I’m thrilled to join you here.👍🏻