Farming, Warfare, and a Classical Life | Victor Davis Hanson

In this episode of The Larry Arnn Show, Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn interviews classicist and military historian Victor Davis Hanson. The two discuss Hanson’s life growing up on his family farm, how he began to study the classics, and his insight into the works of Aristophanes and Thucydides. Later, Hanson speaks on the nature of warfare, the death of citizenship, and his prescription for getting America out of its current mess. This interview was conducted on September 8, 2023.
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Hillsdale College is an independent institution of higher learning founded in 1844 by men and women “grateful to God for the inestimable blessings” resulting from civil and religious liberty and “believing that the diffusion of learning is essential to the perpetuity of these blessings.” It pursues the stated object of the founders: “to furnish all persons who wish, irrespective of nation, color, or sex, a literary, scientific, [and] theological education” outstanding among American colleges “and to combine with this such moral and social instruction as will best develop the minds and improve the hearts of its pupils.” As a nonsectarian Christian institution, Hillsdale College maintains “by precept and example” the immemorial teachings and practices of the Christian faith.
The College also considers itself a trustee of our Western philosophical and theological inheritance tracing to Athens and Jerusalem, a heritage finding its clearest expression in the American experiment of self-government under law.
By training the young in the liberal arts, Hillsdale College prepares students to become leaders worthy of that legacy. By encouraging the scholarship of its faculty, it contributes to the preservation of that legacy for future generations. By publicly defending that legacy, it enlists the aid of other friends of free civilization and thus secures the conditions of its own survival and independence.

[@jonbravo8610]

My name is Jonathan Walter Arnn and I find it awesome that this man is my father's cousin and is the dean of this University. It brings Joy it makes me feel like there is true hope for my family in this world.

[@kurtvanluven9351]

I am an avid reader of Impris. I donate when I can because of the great work being done. I wish the best for your family. Thank you much.

[@Saratogan]

He is the president of the college

[@uneducatedpoetry.bytheuned4330]

I can truly understand as former Fresno resident I feel a fondness for this man. I have no formal education I was exspelld from highschool but the farmer that explains things so far beyond my understanding an makes me want to understand it. An then his grasp of our current situation which despite my lack of education I understand all to well. Gives me satisfaction to know end that this obviously brilliant man an I could an I imagine would enjoy a chat together a part ways I could confidently feel he listend an not judge me for an exspelld high school drop out but a man who's TRYED to understand the world today. I think it's so Kool your kin folks. It is AWSOME!!!

[@gregoryforde7447]

I'm truly pleased for your good fortune. All my very best to you and yours Sir...

[@susantenofsky8662]

see❤😂

[@PinkwithaP]

I never get one ounce of boredom listening to Victor Davis Hansen! He is such an intellectual and humble thought leader. These are the types of guides humans need in a successful society. He is fascinating in all his uncommon brilliance.

[@smithez1]

Well said

[@TheHumbleCarpenter]

Completely agree! Adore VDH!

[@aaronaragon7838]

Brilliant man, but a great liar.

[@anti-Antifuhcktard]

​@@aaronaragon7838prove it....

[@davidmcneil1550]

@@aaronaragon7838ah the ad hominem attack. Brilliant.

[@garysmith789]

Thank God for Hillsdale College and men like VICTOR DAVIS HANSEN.

[@dutchreagan3676]

HANSON.

[@groth3395]

Wouldn't life be a breeze if more people were of the same caliber as VDH and Dr. Arnn? They represent the BEST of America....and to no small extent, mankind. God bless them.

[@dutchreagan3676]

Add Thomas Sowell and we have all of 'm!

[@jefferytokarsky1930]

@@dutchreagan3676 Yes, to that! I doubt Democrats would listen, but if VDH and Thomas Sowell and intellects like them were elevated to Presidential Advisors, we would be in such a better place. They have such wisdom and unique perspectives based firmly in historical knowledge that they freely give yet goes ignored by our policy makers. Dr. Sowell went so far to state he no longer testifies in Congress for the simple reason that no one listens. Indeed, in his first stint in government at the Labor Department, he debunked the minimum wage and his supervisors chose the myth over facts and reality. I think he brilliantly and simply stated that the true minimum wage was $0 ... unemployed.

[@suzannecooper5323]

It’s difficult to get a college education like this man has without coming from a wealthy family or end up in debt for most of your adult life.People his age could work a part time job and pay for college

[@jefferytokarsky1930]

@@suzannecooper5323 Mostly true ... savings before, part time during school, summer jobs, an internship, some help from the folks, and 6 grand loans for an engineering degree at a state school. You have to commend the federal government for their efforts at making higher education “affordable” and convincing kids they had to go to college to get a good job. The few times I go back to go back, I get lost for all the new buildings and the ones tore down and rebuilt. Many of the dorms, which used to be spartan are pretty comfortable. The cafeterias and food is much better. They’ve added several majors we didn’t have back then. I read that our university spends $12 million a year on DEI administrators alone. Minorities and women are encouraged to go to college with grants and scholarships, and they upped the scholarships for women’s sports to equal the men’s. The rest have to take out loans to compensate for the higher tuition ... and for Spring break. What I’m saying is that the money government pumped into colleges, directly and indirectly, didn’t all go for a better education and certainly didn’t make education affordable. Our tax dollars at work.

[@patrickcreath217]

Victor Davis Hanson. You are a National Treasure Sir. When YOU speak, I listen.

[@bugsman1]

He's today's equivalent of E. F. Hutton ... When he speaks, everybody should listen!

[@jefflowrythor]

My wife and I have a small farm and we sell locally, pecan orchard, raised garden beds, chickens for eggs and meat bird chickens, we also have cows, we only ave 40 acres but we enjoy providing for the community.

[@kurtvanluven9351]

Now I'm hungry. Great job.

[@ours1209]

you sell yourself short. 40 acres is no small task 🥇

[@Marlena5227]

You're a great businessman, an incredibly hard worker, steward of the earth, and good neighbor. My husband's family had 60 acres of largely woods and rocky soil in NY. Farming was subsistence level with outside work to support operations. They worked their tails off. I can't imagine your workload, but I sense you do it with joy and you love being connected with the rhythms of nature. You add a lot to life. Thank you for your endeavors ♡♡♡

[@scottsherman6423]

God bless you!

[@jefflowrythor]

@@kurtvanluven9351 lol

[@leshernandez8577]

This is the gentleman that should be leading us instead of the brain less fools in D.C. The more I listen to this brilliant man the more you become enamored with his elegant way of dispensing all of that incredible knowledge. What an incredible man.

[@rezzer7918]

Here here 👍

[@dawnvasquez1139]

Well victor...you re built all those out buildings on your farm...and you say that you don't use them...but remember one thing... Your grandfather said to you..."one day...I'd like to see these buildings fixed up" I daresay....those buildings are serving a great purpose after all.... A great purpose indeed. Wisconsin friends

[@maximuscomfort]

He is too honest to be a politician and would slow the complex's agenda if he was one.IMO

[@dariusx4829]

People elect those that tell them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear...

[@Warcrimeenthusiast]

VDH is a wonderful Classical Thinker , We would all be better people if we sought to emulate that discipline

[@rodchung173]

If ever, in these times, someone deserves the moniker 'a national treasure' , it is Victor Davis Hanson. In fact I would go as far to say, he is an international treasure in these mad times. Thank you sir.

[@terencefield3204]

Indeed, but he is as popular with the degenerate minds commanding the auto-destruction of the West as was Socrates in Athens.

[@ralphbourke5473]

------------------------------------ " Great, know tell us when you choose to get involved, fight back, make a difference, be known to Government you've had enough! If you needed a Victor to tell you your country is at dooms door then maybe you your self haven't done enough! Ask yourself one question, when the British landed on the shores of America with the intent to take what wasn't theirs once again who fought the battles, who left a simple log cabin, who cleared a small field to plant their crops, raised their children while the simple farmers went to Concord Bridge to stop injustice? It takes guts to change the course of history I'm personally not convinced Americans any longer have the desire nor drive to do such a bold act! " ----------------------------------

[@pmchamlee]

Both VDH and Dr Arn are examples of the substance of Great Men! Thank you, gentlemen.

[@joelmeninga6192]

Thank you both for sharing your wisdom and perspective. I am a government and U.S. History teacher in a public highschool. Hillsdale and V.D.H. help me keep the faith.

[@candyholloway6470]

So grateful for Dr. Arnn and his work to lead the resistance. Have just pre-ordered my copy of Prof Hansen's latest book. May God continue to bless these gentlemen and the family of Hillsdale College.

[@jeffcoan4038]

This is a conversation of intellectual juggernauts. What a wonderful pleasure to get to listen in on this discussion.

[@RahYoRaijin]

I am so grateful for having the opportunity to be able to listen to wisdom

[@Pops2]

I didn't need anyone to tell me to distance myself from the insanity of our current society. It was a natural reaction. Now I can listen to VDH every day.😊

[@indiefleurs]

A lovely conversation shared by Hillsdale. Thank you for making this available on KZbin.

[@Old_Patriot]

I've probably watched more videos and listened to more podcasts of Victor Davis Hanson than of any other person on the internet. I truly admire and enjoy his teaching style and his vast knowledge of history and of current culture. I smiled when he mentioned repairing the outbuildings on his farm. Like Dr. Hanson, I grew up working on farms. My family was from Oklahoma and were part of the Okie diaspora that he has mentioned in some of his interviews. We worked mostly in Arizona vegetable and cotton fields and for about a year we worked in California near Bakersfield. My Dad was a great mechanic and worked on farm equipment in the off season to feed the family. I hope that Dr. Hanson continues to educate and inspire his viewers and listeners for many years to come. I've been truly blessed for having read his books, taken his classes on the Second World Wars and on The Dying Citizen from Hillsdale's online school. I highly recommend them all.

[@jenniewankenobi]

Thank you, Dr. Arnn. I enjoy every opportunity I can find to listen to VDH. Every time he speaks, I learn something new that makes me ponder the world in a slightly different perspective. (Much like every time I listen to Dr. Sowell.) Thank you for providing these opportunities for those of us who are not Hillsdale student but enjoy learning all the same.

[@ExtraPencil2]

I had never heard of Hillsdale College, but I will never forget the wisdom I gained in this one short video. Thank you, gentleman sharing your stories and providing guidance without spelling anything out.

[@walkerdo2003]

I have been to their online college and taken the Free courses they have. Wonderful! Will be back for more!!!

[@tysonwilliams9881]

Victor Davis Hanson you are a true Patriot!

[@sue272]

Wonderful Talk. God Bless Victor & Hillsdale I'm an Adult Student loving All Online Classes

[@kurtvanluven9351]

Better than the education I PAID for.

[@Old_Patriot]

I couldn't agree more. I've taken several of Hillsdale's online classes on government and of course Dr. Hansons's offerings. I grew up in a migrant farm worker family and I am now a retired high school and college teacher. I'm living proof that in this great country you can achieve your dreams if you're willing to work hard and never quit.

[@ortommy]

Dr. Victor Davis Hanson is a national treasure. Never before has someone taken to the world stage at this rate and enlightenment from the past while examining the present. God bless you!

[@scottmacdowall527]

Victor is a great American 🇺🇸

[@dthundergunb3115]

The farmer is the most underrated gambler of all time, because they live on gambling that their crop will get enough rain, enough sun, and enough good weather to pull in a considerable yield of the crops they harvest. Sounds simple, but the science behind it, coupled with all the unpredictable factors, is truly an amazing profession. Two of my friends are farmers, and just their calculations of the fertilizers the types and taking measurements of rhe health of the soil. It's crazy how in depth it is.

[@brendawilliams8062]

Even watching a field bushhogged is in itself an experience

[@tonypalmer9575]

Wow, I had lunch once with the Australian historian, Geoffrey Blainey that Victor mentioned. Having worked in publishing for nearly 40 years, I've met many authors but Blainey was a stand-out. Instead of speaking a single word about himself, or his work, he spent the entire two hours enticing our family histories from our names and a few questions about where we were born. He is still living, (93) and I remember him from that one meeting as a prince of men.

[@DEValentine]

This man is a national treasure.

[@decapua]

VDH is a NATIONAL TREASURE! He is the voice of reason. Thank you, VDH, for sharing your wisdom to the world.

[@mikwcas5110]

Two guys that would've made the finest Founder/Framers'. Thank you Hillsdale.

[@ampersandmcvinegar5681]

Praise the Lord for VDH and Hillsdale College! ❤✊

[@rideausheep]

As a practitioner of the most ancient profession of shepherding, my wife and I fully understand and appreciate this conversation. Thank you for this

[@mr.crapper7197]

Victor Davis Hanson, one of the greatest.

[@henrycochran7775]

VDH is the greatest spokesperson of our generation. We are BLESSED to have him. He's a realist balanced with his incredible knowledge of history. He's a wonderful man with a brilliant mind. He also has the courage of a lion; unafraid to speak truth.

[@mattn6685]

If there was ever a required learning/listening, it is a conservation between Dr. Hanson and Dr. Arnn. They are such treasures in our national discourse, especially, for these tumultuous times. Thank you, Dr. Hanson and Dr. Arnn!

[@tannykeeler9728]

… and there is hope for the world because of people like those in your family, Jonathan. We have here within the same visible audible frame: one great man interviewing another. Interesting, inspiring, educational, entertaining--completely captures the attention. Thank you, Hillsdale!

[@AB-fr9rh]

godspeed VDH. gem of man

[@pplusbthrust]

Follow the money is an important part of the message. Growing up a little before Victor allowed for all my Scout leaders to be WWII veterans. We are both so, so lucky to have these men and women as mentors. Will we ever remove war from our sickie?

[@ericjohnson9468]

I share your blessing of having all my BSA leaders as WW2 & Korean War vets…. … those men emanated a caring if often stern leadership that I encountered more & more rarely as I matured… … & it was something I tried to emulate in my career, with my most people under my charge appreciating it.

[@DillyDolittle]

Victor David Hansen is a legend across all nations. I could listen to his thoughts all day. 🙏

[@ex-engineer6657]

Awesome! Thank you all, those involved in giving this to us, for your efforts for ultimate good. Victor and Thomas Sowell are two of our most precious national treasures. I have been connected with Hillsdale for a long time and believe it is a great participant in the restortion of Good in the world. God is Good!

[@Pack.Leader]

What a nice change-of-pace video to see VDH just talking about farming. He's such a soft-spoken and intelligent man. Still waters run deep.

[@Oiseaux_rebelle]

If only these great talks could be translated and diffused in different languages and cultures. This is a gem! Thank you!

[@CPHSDC]

I studied at U of C in the last century. Today I would want to attend Hillsdale.

[@beverlytheartist425]

Victor is simply a National Treasure.

[@ghrammcracker7524]

I know nothing of farming but always appreciate the life lessons VDH teaches us about farming. When he talks about the unpredictability of farming and the things out of the farmer’s control that teaches a kind of humility, I thought of little house on the prairie. One scene in particular is of father Ingalls getting ready to harvest and sell his seasons work at the market, only to have his crops destroyed in a bad rain storm. He walks inside to tell his family. Michael Landon captures that humility perfectly on his face in that scene. Though devastated, he hugs his family and still thanks God for his blessings and gets back to work. He wasn’t looking for anyone to blame (and certainly not looking for a government handout). They were grounded in reality much more than we are today.

[@13soap13]

Two incredible Americans and Human Beings!

[@ageresequituresse]

Beautiful talk. Much appreciation to both of you gentlemen!

[@johnguill6129]

You are right about "shame." But people without an understanding of honor cannot experience shame.

[@georgest491]

A great talk, and spent two years in Afghanistan and he is so right!

[@demetriavassilaros281]

I really enjoyed this conversation. Thank you Dr Arnn for having this on you tube also. What a fine gentle soul Victor Davis Hanson is, an intelligent and refine man he is. I’m enjoying Hillsdale college and what it stands for. Thank you for all you do Professor Arnn.

[@roxanaconception]

Thank you to these great men. God bless you, always.

[@BugMateo]

David is a Renaissance man... keep up the good job!

[@MsClyde57]

I live in a small town in rural Queensland (Australia) and I've heard of many cases of people losing wallets, purses and jewellery etc and having them returned. Keep believing that there are still good people in the world.

[@zipper7056]

Those who ignore history are damned to repeat it. Like all the fallen Empires of the past. God bless VDH, Dr Arnn, and Hillsdale College.

[@BobbyRayBurns]

Absolutely priceless. At the risk of sounding like a post-adolescent "fanboy" I must say that I never tire of hearing anything Mr. Hanson has to say! As @rodchung173 has noted, he is indeed a national treasure.

[@words911]

Victor is one of our Great Americans for speaking out with such resounding wisdom and foresight

[@Nilshelppi]

Thank you VDH from a 74 yr man in Santa Cruz

[@treeLiter]

VDH IS THE MAN

[@mariecomer209]

Excellant! I will need to watch this at least five times to absorb all the wisdom!

[@monicajones866]

Great common sense, a great intellect, a hard worker and a gift to the world.

[@MIKE-se8ye]

Always a pleasure to listen to Dr. Hanson.

[@kimberlyhart5692]

A belated happy birthday to you, sir VDH…an American Treasure living now

[@jimheckert5383]

Thank you Gentlemen. Great interview! 🇺🇸🍀🇺🇸

[@reneeimage3879]

🤔I listen to professor Victor Davies Hansons podcasts almost everyday , I am glad I came upon this video tonight , I’m not a student or a professor but a listener with a love for history and languages by listening to Dr Hanson I can say this, “ for a brilliant scholar he is so humble with such a great sense of humor. He has a gift of keeping listeners captivated with his immense knowledge , take you to Ancient Greece and Roman Empire and next he can talk about everyday events and complete the podcast sometimes with a treat of taking about his child hood in the farm and his amazing mother who was a judge ,which I have a lots of respect for , and talk about living and farming in his historical family farm in California. Listening to Dr Hanson makes one’s mind and soul journey to the next level armed with knowledge.🦋 Thank you for offering on line classes at Hillsdale college I’m going to take a course in dying citizen. I do have my first certificate in Genesis.🤓

[@patlyons8588]

I listen to his podcast daily too I thoroughly enjoy listening to VDH

[@UNCHART3DGAMING]

Thank you gentlemen from Canada 🇨🇦 always a pleasure to listen, learn and appreciate the encouragement to actively participate to change our trajectory - all our efforts are needed

[@christinad4044]

This was a very informative and encouraging conversation. Thank you for taking the time and sharing this.

[@jodygifford8687]

Once again you are so filled with knowledge, Mr. Hanson. Thank you for Sharing.

[@royolstad8532]

Making my way every day through the stinking hot miasma of our Progressive-spawned national culture I find myself barely able to hold on to hope of finding a way back. Guys like you renew my hope. Thank you.

[@johnmuench6459]

I Have Great Respect for Both of You Gentlemen!!! 👍👍🙏✨✨✨🙌🔥❤️

[@judyclacher3745]

I so admire and respect Victor David Hanson. I remember him saying people are not responsible for the consequences of their ideology. So true.

[@sallygillette5719]

I have learned so much from Mr.Hansen, I truly admire his integrity. I wish more people would tune in to him.keep up the awesome job you have been doing over the years. God bless you, sir.

[@hanzketchup859]

Mr.Hanson has stepped up his game since joining the Hillsdale College ‘True’ Educators team. Cheers Larry and the Hillsdale College Team.

[@Tommy1977777]

This is how I'm trying to live.

[@davidjooste5788]

Great conversation. Thanks.

[@mattmcclendon5425]

I look forward to the day that I can suggest Hillsdale College as an option to my daughter and hopefully, a son soon.

[@user-mb1hg4qu9f]

Thank you, gentlemen! 👍👍

[@timothyhowie6171]

With God's Grace we can create new abilities through applying ourselves to new learnings, new areas previously untamed in your life. Glory to God

[@michaelohair3715]

Thanks.

[@GenXamerica]

Inspiring and informative thanks so much

[@speckledhen409]

All my gratitude, VDH. There is nothing better than good soil under your fingernails.

[@egschreib4795]

Thank you for sharing these videos. They are very enjoyable!

[@johnbollow5497]

Two of our best minds. Splendid.

[@thomashussman3790]

Here are two of my favorite people in the whole wide world.

[@louellasiemens4284]

Thankyou for your wisdom❤️

[@turdferguson7504]

I want to learn after listening to these men. I’m nearly 50, but it’s good to be inspired to curiosity by listening to people with knowledge that I don’t possess.

[@charlescawley9923]

I don't often find such insight and emotional honesty on the internet. Thank you.

[@BGTuyau]

Life lessons from a great thinker.

[@debbieyzuel7887]

Growing up in the central valley I admire this man. He's an asset to 13:38 not only the valley but all over our country.

[@jeffharmed1616]

Great interview thanks. I couldn’t help think of the territorial imperative when VDH spoke of the importance of deterrents to avoid conflict. Think of two male bears facing off and posturing to settle matters without violence

[@pv2414]

Revival is what we need!

[@nicholasperez3080]

Listening to an intelectual like him self brings many great benefits to my thoughts and mind. It helps shape and mold my mind in a way I can only appreciate in longevity

[@harti938]

Good talk.

[@oceanhome2023]

I would like to know how many of US come from farm families ? I came from farm families in North Western Colorado and I can relate to VDH .

[@markee063]

Im 60. Moved from oregon coast to a farm in west Virginia. This year my joy is looking forward to growing a variety of lettuce. Am i leading a classical life? (I should mention my joy last year was getting Starlink) lol

[@hr2079]

Great interview. Thank you for sharing !

[@sunshine9425]

Brillant. Love listening to him a,

[@harti938]

You both are empathical persons. You are honest and authentic. This talk made my day. This truth would have banned You from the public conversation in Germany and many other european ciuntries, for life. The government would press publishers not to publicize Your books. Look at the former head of the german "Verfassungsschutz" Dr. H. G. Maaßen, a formerly well recognized author on german law and constitution. He wrote the current immigration laws and criticized the breach of the rule of law. Or Thilo Sarrazin, the "father" of the new german Mark, after reunification. Publishers say the pressure is too big to publish their books anymore.

[@Redheadedlady55]

~Enjoyed you both...plz continue this way of reaching us.😊

[@connielipp8648]

Thank you for sharing.. This is wonderful

[@XxGMANxXaltered]

Great listen!!

[@magavsschwaga7834]

Big Fan

[@danielmandigo636]

The thing most don't know about farming is the time to think. VDH is such a great philosopher because has time to think when he works.

[@jerseygrl5]

Listening to VDH and Larry Arn gives me hope for the future.