How can the words of a 16th-century playwright possibly hold the key to understanding American governance today? The answer may lie in the very heart of classical education—a time-tested foundation for thoughtful leadership and civic responsibility. Shakespeare’s plays, brimming with powerful depictions of power, virtue, and moral conflict, weren’t just created to entertain; they were crafted to challenge the mind and educate the soul.

In this episode of This Constitution, Matthew Brogdon sits down with Dr. Carol McNamara, the director of the Great Hearts Institute for Classical Education, to unravel the profound connections between Shakespeare’s works and the values that shaped our nation. Together, they explore how classical education, particularly through literature like Shakespeare’s, illuminates the role of governance, virtue, and civic engagement in a thriving democracy. Dr. McNamara reveals how Shakespeare’s exploration of political regimes, from absolute monarchy to the Roman Republic, sheds light on the complexities of leadership, while also emphasizing the importance of an informed citizenry.

Could it be that by revisiting the classics, we find the very principles that can guide us toward better governance? Tune in to discover how the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare and classical education can shape the leaders of tomorrow, and why it’s more relevant than ever in understanding our civic duties today.

In This Episode

• (00:40) Introduction to Dr. Carol McNamara
• (00:59) Overview of the Great Hearts Institute
• (02:40) Expansion of classical charter schools
• (04:04) Importance of a holistic education
• (06:18) Formation of character in education
• (07:35) Integration of knowledge disciplines
• (08:55) Adaptability in education
• (10:15) Shakespeare's political project
• (12:43) Exploring alternative regimes in Shakespeare
• (15:18) Commercial republic and difference
• (16:44) The civilizational struggle
• (17:46) Shakespeare's perspective on regimes
• (18:20) Shakespeare's exploration of tyranny
• (18:50) Mixed regimes in Shakespeare's works
• (21:04) Historical context of Coriolanus
• (22:10) Coriolanus and political tragedy
• (24:02) Lincoln's appreciation for Shakespeare
• (26:34) The role of ordinary citizens in Much Ado About Nothing
• (27:49) Shakespeare's unique talent
• (29:50) Ordinary life and comic potential
• (31:47) Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• [03:52] "I think the demand for classical education is only going to grow as parents demand better education, better discussion, better study of books for their children." — Dr. Carol McNamara

• [05:19] "Classical education is about the formation of the human person, involving the education of the mind through the study of ideas, literature, and moral philosophy, but also the formation of human character." — Dr. Carol McNamara

• [18:20] "Everybody wants to claim Shakespeare as their own, but for me, what matters are the plays and the arguments in the plays." — Dr. Carol McNamara

• [20:56] "He wants us to realize that politics always comes back, that we always have to pay attention to the demands of politics." — Dr. Carol McNamara

• [28:53] "Shakespeare wants to say that ordinary life sorts itself out in a way that doesn't have to be tragic; we can just choose to live well and be happy." — Dr. Carol McNamara

Our Guest

Dr. Carol McNamara is the Director of the Great Hearts Institute for Classical Education, where she leads initiatives to renew classical education. Previously, she held key roles at Arizona State University, including Senior Director at the Center for Constit