Ascend - The Great Books Podcast: “The Odyssey as the Restoration of Culture” with President Washut

Release Date: December 24, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast, hosts Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan delve deep into Homer’s Odyssey, exploring its profound implications for modern culture and education. Their guest, Kyle Washett, President of Wyoming Catholic College, brings a wealth of knowledge on Eastern Catholicism, the Greek Fathers, and the unique pedagogical approaches employed by his institution. Together, they unravel the intricate connections between classical literature, Catholic intellectual tradition, and contemporary educational practices.

Eastern Catholicism and the Greek Fathers

The conversation begins with a discussion on Eastern Catholicism and the rich heritage of the Greek Fathers. Kyle Washett, a Byzantine Catholic, shares his passion for the Eastern patristic tradition, highlighting the harmonies and occasional differences between Eastern and Western theological thought.

Kyle Washett [02:51]: "I particularly appreciate that the Eastern writings always seem to have sanctification in mind or theosis. They always tether back to your own spiritual life."

Washett emphasizes his admiration for St. Maximus the Confessor, praising his insights on the Incarnation and his ability to connect theological concepts with personal spiritual growth.

Wyoming Catholic College: A Unique Great Books Institution

Washett provides an overview of Wyoming Catholic College, describing it as a “Young College” founded in 2007 with a mission to integrate outdoor experiences, horsemanship, and a rigorous Great Books curriculum. The college’s distinctive approach includes:

• Outdoor Education: Three-week backpacking trips and seven weeks of outdoor activities to foster resilience and connection with nature.
• Horsemanship: Inspired by Xenophon’s belief that horsemanship is a form of soulcraft, equipping students to master their own passions and cultivate discipline.
• Cell Phone Fast: Encouraging students to disconnect from digital distractions and engage deeply with their studies and surroundings.

Deacon Harrison Garlick [10:23]: “Can you give an example from the Odyssey that you think is quite pertinent in the formation of your students?”

Pedagogical Approach: Horsemanship as Soulcraft

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the integration of horsemanship into the college’s curriculum. Washett explains how horsemanship serves as a practical application of classical education principles, fostering self-mastery and ethical behavior.

Kyle Washett [10:45]: “When you're working with a horse, your soul, certainly the passions of your soul, become more evident to you in a mirror.”

This metaphor highlights the connection between physical discipline and intellectual development, echoing Plato’s views on education as a harmonious blend of mind and body.

The Great Books vs. Modern Education

The hosts contrast Wyoming Catholic’s Great Books approach with contemporary education systems, which often prioritize vocational training over intellectual and moral formation. Washett argues for the importance of engaging with foundational texts to cultivate critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

Kyle Washett [15:16]: “Wouldn’t it make sense to go to the tradition that's sort of weighed out all of the best and the brightest that have thought about this and said, these are the fundamental standards, these are the guides?”

Garlick reflects on his own experiences in law school, noting the lack of philosophical context in modern curricula and the focus on technical skills over substantive understanding.

John Senior’s Influence and the Restoration of Culture

A pivotal moment in the episode is the exploration of John Senior’s interpretation of the Odyssey. Senior, whose works “Death of Christian Culture” and “Restoration of Christian Culture” have significantly influenced Wyoming Catholic College, views the Odyssey as a blueprint for rebuilding culture after catastrophic disruptions.

Kyle Washett [26:42]: “So Odysseus is going to come and restore all of the orders of the home that namely the Odyssey.”

Senior’s passionate advocacy for a hearth culture—rooted in family, community, and spiritual practice—mirrors the restorative themes of Homer’s epic. Washett underscores the importance of crafting a culture that embodies liberal arts traditions, piety, and communal values.

Embodied Education: The Role of Poetics and Physical Engagement

The conversation deepens into the necessity of embodied experiences in education. Washett elaborates on how activities like horsemanship, gardening, and physical sports complement intellectual pursuits, fostering a holistic development of the individual.

Kyle Washett [31:06]: “Education is going to begin with the muses. It's going to begin with poetry and gymnastics.”

This perspective aligns with classical education principles, advocating for a balanced cultivation of mind and body to achieve true excellence.

The Odyssey as a Guide to Restoring Order

The heart of the episode lies in analyzing the Odyssey through the lens of cultural restoration. Washett explains how Odysseus embodies the role of a restorer, unlike other Homeric heroes who either perish or fail to bring true harmony.

Kyle Washett [44:06]: “Odysseus is going to come and restore all of the orders of the home that namely the Odyssey.”

They discuss specific examples from the epic, such as Odysseus’s craftsmanship in building his bed and the meticulous ways he re-establishes his household, symbolizing the restoration of societal order.

Deacon Harrison Garlick [40:54]: “The restoration of the entire home is rooted in the remembrance of the bed that he built and the trees that he planted.”

These narratives illustrate the intertwined nature of personal virtue and communal stability, emphasizing the importance of foundational cultural practices.

Odysseus’s Denial of Immortality: A Pinnacle of Human Excellence

A particularly insightful segment focuses on Odysseus’s refusal of immortality offered by the goddess Calypso. This act represents a profound commitment to human mortality and the responsibilities it entails.

Deacon Harrison Garlick [58:11]: “His capacity to say no to immortality is truly amazing. To deny that paradise is a testament to his character.”

Washett connects this moment to the broader theme of sacrificial living and the establishment of a sustainable human order, contrasting it with the godlike existence that sacrifices human essence.

Sacrifice: Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions

The hosts explore the dual nature of sacrifice in Homeric tradition, encompassing both vertical (human-divine relationship) and horizontal (community cohesion) aspects. This duality prefigures Christian sacraments, such as the Eucharist, which integrate spiritual devotion with communal fellowship.

Kyle Washett [69:57]: “Sacrifice is both vertical and horizontal. It brings man together with God and with one another.”

This interpretation highlights the enduring relevance of classical texts in shaping ethical and communal frameworks.

Final Thoughts and Wyoming Catholic College’s Mission

In concluding the episode, Washett reflects on the enduring legacy of John Senior and Wyoming Catholic College’s mission to cultivate a balanced, culturally vibrant education rooted in the Great Books tradition.

Kyle Washett [71:06]: “What you need to do is you need to be rooted in your father, you need to be rooted in your wife, you need to be rooted in your son.”

He invites listeners to engage with the college’s programs, emphasizing the transformative power of immersive, holistic education.

Kyle Washett [74:18]: “Come out with us. You will both embody the spirit of the Odyssey and get a great sense of what we're doing.”

Conclusion

This episode of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast offers a rich exploration of Homer’s Odyssey as a framework for cultural restoration and personal excellence. Through the insightful dialogue between Harrison Garlick and Kyle Washett, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intersection of classical literature, Catholic tradition, and innovative educational practices. The discussion underscores the timeless relevance of the Great Books in shaping thoughtful, morally grounded individuals capable of fostering resilient and harmonious communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Kyle Washett [02:51]: "I particularly appreciate that the Eastern writings always seem to have sanctification in mind or theosis. They always tether back to your own spiritual life."

• Kyle Washett [10:45]: “When you're working with a horse, your soul, certainly the passions of your soul, become more evident to you in a mirror.”

• Kyle Washett [15:16]: “Wouldn’t it make sense to go to the tradition that's sort of weighed out all of the best and the brightest that have thought about this and said, these are the fundamental standards, these are the guides?”

• Kyle Washett [26:42]: “So Odysseus is going to come and restore all of the orders of the home that namely the Odyssey.”

• Kyle Washett [31:06]: “Education is going to begin with the muses. It's going to begin with poetry and gymnastics.”

• Deacon Harrison Garlick [40:54]: “The restoration of the entire home is rooted in the remembrance of the bed that he built and the trees that he planted.”

• Kyle Washett [44:06]: “Odysseus is going to come and restore all of the orders of the home that namely the Odyssey.”

• Kyle Washett [69:57]: “Sacrifice is both vertical and horizontal. It brings man together with God and with one another.”

• Kyle Washett [71:06]: “What you need to do is you need to be rooted in your father, you need to be rooted in your wife, you need to be rooted in your son.”

Learn More

Interested listeners are encouraged to explore more about Wyoming Catholic College and join their immersive programs. Visit wyomingcatholiccollege.edu or follow them on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates. Additionally, their free 115 Question & Answer Guide to the Iliad, authored by Deacon Harrison Garlick, is available on their soon-to-launch website.

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