Shakespeare's Urgent Warning to America | The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Explained

[@bi.johnathan]

Instead of ad reads, my channel is funded directly by people passionate about the Great Books. Help me keep making more episodes with a paid subscription: johnathanbi.com * Full transcript: open.substack.com/pub/johnathanbi/p/transcript-for-lecture-on-shakespeare-julius-caesar * Join my email list to be notified of future episodes: greatbooks.io Companion lectures and interviews: * Katharina Volk on the lives of Cicero and Caesar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2bUgq2qo7mJhrM * Stephen Greenblatt on Shakespeare's Guide to Love: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGrac2mIedGUbpI Reference Texts: * David Lowenthal, Shakespeare's Thought: amzn.to/3YkxxrW (affiliate) * Chapter 4 explores the "Caesar wanted to die" thesis * John Alvis, Shakespeare's Understanding Of Honor: amzn.to/3YoAYhn (affiliate) * Colin Burrow, Shakespeare and Classical Antiquity: amzn.to/3C5Fnyd (affiliate) * René Girard, Theatre of Envy: amzn.to/3YJRZDV (affiliate) * Scott F. Crider, With What Persuasion: amzn.to/3YH7qwK (affiliate) * Frank Kermode, Shakespeare's Language: amzn.to/3YL3mvm (affiliate) * Paul Cantor, Shakespeare's Rome: amzn.to/4huj2dK (affiliate) TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 0. Introduction 00:03:28 1. Rome and America 00:12:17 2. Marcus Brutus 00:38:25 3. Julius Caesar 01:09:07 4. Mark Antony 01:29:55 5. The Fall of Brutus 01:32:47 6. Will America Fall like Rome?

[@JeffreyWhitt]

Spent half my life looking for brilliant and illuminating minds such as yours… easy to find in old books… hard to find in real life… most pretend… you are the real deal. Thank you for giving!!!

[@toyefalety9013]

bet you fall in love easily😂

[@seunomole679]

@@toyefalety9013😂😂😂😂😂

[@luffyd.monkey7171]

@@toyefalety9013 how many lectures have you given on Shakespeare's julius caesar?

[@vinnygarr]

This is such a fantastic and refreshing take on the Shakespearean play! Bravo.

[@bi.johnathan]

Thank you! My own formal training was in philosophy so this was definitely the lecture most out of my comfort zone but I did enjoy it quite a bit.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Agreed.

[@adamqadmon]

Beautiful. What perfect timing.

[@adrianjohn4163]

Your best lecture yet Jonathan. The Nietzsche and Girard videos were educational, but this one was just as riveting as it was informative. You should analyze more narrative works in the future.

[@bi.johnathan]

thanks. This definitely came less naturally to me than the philosophy one (where my formal training was) and there was a lot more interpretation I had to add myself here rather than just systematizing other thinkers' views. Im curious what other people thought: do you like my philosophy or literature lectures better?

[@WongTag]

⁠@@bi.johnathan Both together are valuable to me, greater than the sum. Your philosophical lectures provide an authoritative and comparative foundation which helps me contextualize your work, which I learn from. Then these extensions beyond your core expertise in the arena of literature can be appreciated as a practical application of philosophy.

[@adrianjohn4163]

@@WongTag couldn’t agree more. Having watched the previous videos massively enhanced this one. You need to see them all.

[@bi.johnathan]

@@WongTag makes sense, thanks!

[@sāmtscn]

@@bi.johnathanI enjoy both

[@JohnDorian-j7x]

Absolutely banging. Perfect timing too.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Very well thought out and presented. Captivating throughout!

[@JTL2884]

This is an awesome KZbin channel. Thank you.

[@bi.johnathan]

thanks for engaging with my work

[@cartertimothy]

Until I watched this video, I thought I knew this play well. So well-informed and perceptive. Well done!

[@john.s]

love the aesthetic and quality

[@richardyim8914]

God this brings me back to 10th grade English when we read this during one of our semesters. Fun lecture as always.

[@bi.johnathan]

Thanks! Personally, I prefer philosophy still but this is one of my favorite works from the Bard.

[@EricLeCrenn-Sanchez]

I've never read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, but I've been expressing this general sentiment to others for some time. I think it sobering to remember that our Founding Fathers were conscious of the histories pertaining to other republics that came before our own. I quote to you Benjamin Franklin, "I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government, but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered; and believe further, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it."

[@bi.johnathan]

Lol you are picking up my habit of saying "I quote to you"

[@javiolmos1781]

Amazing lecture!!! 10/10 fire

[@bluesoffthecharts]

Amazing class, thank you

[@vonvlad128]

Great video John.

[@michaelbellingham719]

Caesar’s Ambition vs. Trump’s Power Hunger Parallel: Caesar is accused of excessive ambition, seeking to become a dictator of Rome. Similarly, Trump’s disregard for democratic norms (e.g., contesting election results, calling for loyalty over legal systems) reflects Caesar’s alleged pursuit of unchecked power. Quote: “He would be crowned: How that might change his nature, there’s the question.” (Act 1, Scene 2) 2. Cult of Personality Parallel: Both Caesar and Trump command intense loyalty from their followers, turning their personas into almost divine entities. Trump's rallies resemble Caesar’s triumphal processions. Quote: “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world / Like a Colossus, and we petty men / Walk under his huge legs and peep about.” (Act 1, Scene 2) 3. Flattery and Ego Parallel: Caesar is vulnerable to flattery, as is Trump, whose decisions often appear driven by praise and adoration rather than reason or strategy. Quote: “But when I tell him he hates flatterers, / He says he does, being then most flattered.” (Act 2, Scene 1) 4. Manipulative Allies (Mark Antony and MAGA Loyalists) Parallel: Antony manipulates public sentiment to avenge Caesar’s death, much like Trump’s loyalists stoke division to maintain his influence. Quote: “You all did love him once, not without cause: / What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him?” (Act 3, Scene 2) 5. Brutus as a Moral Antagonist Parallel: Brutus is torn between his loyalty to Caesar and his sense of duty to Rome. In the MAGA context, some former Trump allies (e.g., Liz Cheney) exhibit a similar moral conflict. Quote: “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” (Act 3, Scene 2) 6. Mob Mentality Parallel: The Roman mob is easily swayed by rhetoric, as seen during Antony’s funeral oration. Similarly, Trump’s base often reacts emotionally rather than critically, echoing the dynamics of mob psychology. Quote: “You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!” (Act 1, Scene 1) 7. Fear of Tyranny Parallel: The conspirators justify Caesar’s assassination by claiming they are saving Rome from tyranny. Critics of Trump often warn that his behavior undermines democratic institutions. Quote: “As he was valiant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.” (Act 3, Scene 2) 8. The Omens Parallel: Caesar ignores numerous warnings (e.g., the soothsayer’s “Beware the Ides of March”). Similarly, Trump has ignored institutional warnings and legal risks, pushing ahead with his agenda. Quote: “The ides of March are come.” / “Ay, Caesar; but not gone.” (Act 3, Scene 1) 9. Division Within the Ruling Class Parallel: Rome’s Senate is deeply divided over Caesar’s rule, mirroring the split in U.S. politics over Trump, with some Republicans questioning his actions but fearing political fallout. Quote: “Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar!” (Act 3, Scene 1) 10. Betrayal Parallel: Caesar’s assassination is marked by betrayal by those closest to him, including Brutus. Trump has similarly experienced defections from former allies who no longer support his actions. Quote: “Et tu, Brute?” (Act 3, Scene 1) 11. Populism as a Tool Parallel: Caesar uses his image as a man of the people to justify his authority, much like Trump employs populist rhetoric to appeal to his base. Quote: “I thrice presented him a kingly crown, / Which he did thrice refuse.” (Act 1, Scene 2) 12. Public Manipulation Parallel: Antony’s speech to the Roman crowd manipulates their emotions, similar to how Trump crafts his rhetoric to mobilize his base. Quote: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” (Act 3, Scene 2) 13. Exploitation of Fear Parallel: Caesar’s death leads to chaos, partly because the conspirators fail to address the public’s fear of instability. Trump exploits similar fears to maintain influence. Quote: “Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war!” (Act 3, Scene 1) 14. The Fragility of Democracy Parallel: Rome teeters between democracy and dictatorship, much like fears that Trump’s actions erode democratic norms. Quote: “These growing feathers pluck’d from Caesar’s wing / Will make him fly an ordinary pitch.” (Act 1, Scene 1) 15. Media and Messaging Parallel: Antony uses Caesar’s will to manipulate public sentiment, akin to how Trump leverages media and social platforms to control narratives. Quote: “You are not wood, you are not stones, but men.” (Act 3, Scene 2) 16. Unchecked Hubris Parallel: Caesar’s arrogance blinds him to his vulnerabilities, just as Trump’s overconfidence leads to repeated missteps. Quote: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; / The valiant never taste of death but once.” (Act 2, Scene 2) 17. Perceived Invincibility Parallel: Caesar believes himself untouchable, as does Trump, evidenced by his dismissal of legal challenges and critics. Quote: “Danger knows full well / That Caesar is more dangerous than he.” (Act 2, Scene 2) 18. Disregard for Warnings Parallel: Both leaders dismiss critical advice, undermining their long-term positions. Quote: “He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.” (Act 1, Scene 2) 19. Rhetorical Power Parallel: Both Caesar and Trump rely on rhetoric to solidify their power. Quote: “Let me have men about me that are fat.” (Act 1, Scene 2) 20. Legal Loopholes Parallel: The conspirators justify Caesar’s death legally. Trump’s actions often skirt legal norms without crossing definitive lines. 21-25: Additional Parallels Political infighting, ego-driven decisions, collapse of public trust, cult dynamics, and abuse of power. This analysis draws upon Shakespearean dialogue and modern political analysis to highlight the enduring relevance of Julius Caesar.

[@mediatechjohn3088]

Awesome lecture. You should have more subs considering your content and production quality. I was hoping youd provide more allusions to present day. As they say, forms change but content stays the same.

[@davidpickup3021]

I subscribed because this is one of the most detailed, interesting and brilliant analyses I've ever heard, and from someone so apparently accomplished in his youth. However, I may have assumed incorrectly, but your last line, "sometimes the fault IS in our stars," seems to be contradictory. Is not one of Shakespeare's most foundational conclusions designed for all men to recognize is that the world is primarily woeful as a society of individuals who have gone personally wrong, leading to our demise, but whose demise is not brought about primarily through the responsibility of a few bad "actors?"

[@pvtruestmusic]

Bro you next level fasho 🙏🙏🙏

[@fortheloveofbooks1513]

How do you get to be an audience member?

[@TheConceptTheProcess]

can appreciate the Staloff / Sugrue pace

[@theManuScript]

This guy and these thumbnails!

[@bi.johnathan]

🖖

[@HarmanKong]

Brilliant 👏

[@matsobanemosehla29]

This guy remind me of our most articulative then Hon Mr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi

[@Nueres]

Wake up babe bi just dropped a new video

[@bi.johnathan]

😪😴🛌

[@zackpane7973]

Allow the government to make mistakes but in the most transparent way

[@Psyfertospsb]

Great analysis

[@knw-seeker6836]

A little bit off topic I’m fascinated by the critical thinking skills that philosophy graduates and historians have As well as the critical reading skills and the sheer amount they’re reading As a psychology student I have to read a lot Do you have any advice on how to read more effectively to remember what you read? I have to know a lot of detail but noticed that without really understanding the subject it takes much longer doesn’t stick Even with facts

[@somyadesai]

On your astrological point, you may not be fully educated on how the field has evolved since the birth of depth psychology. So I’ll point you to Richard Tarnas’ “Cosmos & Psyche”. He is also the author of “The Passion of the Western Mind” which is right up your alley. Astrology is actually not just based on individual birth charts, it’s also an incredible telescope into the collective zeitgeist. Appreciate your work Johnathan, thanks for the stellar content!

[@bi.johnathan]

Will take a look! Thanks for engaging with my work so carefully

[@mediatechjohn3088]

Could it be a synthesis of both free will and destiny/astrology which balances a person? Free will unchecked leads to arrogance. Astrology unchecked dismisses concrete reality.

[@somyadesai]

⁠​⁠@@mediatechjohn3088If you’re talking about traditional astrology then free will is limited. But modern astrology embraces free will and autonomy. I wouldn’t say it dismisses concrete reality either. Astrology needs concrete reality to understand itself.

[@rc1800]

​@@somyadesaiAstrology is a load of baloney. End of story.

[@leronbridges3223]

​@@rc1800 lmao just because YOU don't understand something doesn't mean it's baloney. Astrology is literally a non-traditional variation of Psychology in it's attempt to interpret and understand the human mind. You only conclude it being 'baloney' if you aren't capable of making that connection. Your line of thinking is like thinking Spanish is a bad language because you prefer German. Dont be so narrow minded and dismissive

[@Rabbachino]

History may not repeat, but it is doomed to rhyme

[@douglascollier7767]

Fascinating 🎉

[@EUSA1776]

So Caesar was the ultimate “commit to the bit?”

[@bi.johnathan]

😂 yes

[@Nueres]

Will you ever make a video about niccolo machiavelli and his book “The prince”?

[@bi.johnathan]

yes!

[@Nueres]

@@bi.johnathan Hell yeah

[@zoundchild]

I would love to sit in on one of our lectures, Sir. How can I make that happen?

[@daylinlott5723]

Host is painfully immature, and primarily wants to gain fame. @3:30 story actually begins.

[@NerdCrusader]

New look is great

[@steve19811]

Where is this filmed?

[@anu1776]

this reminds me of oswald spengler and his caesarism.

[@Strategos300]

Well, Romes golden age began after Caesar. So idk how much you guys can claim he had something to do with its fall

[@Cinema1-2]

Well crazy emperors above the law of men , declared as living gods, committed atrocities on their people. With great power comes the paranoia and insanity.

[@nilsmadelin-hill9553]

Where is this located?

[@bi.johnathan]

Maxwell Tribeca

[@CramRockets]

If I were not Cramrockets, I should be Jonathan Bi.

[@bi.johnathan]

Et tu CramRockets?

[@BrandonStewartCS]

Engagement comment

[@bi.johnathan]

engagement reply

[@iskrabesamrtna]

More like that last emperor rather than Cesar lol

[@susansmiles2630]

Thank you for this excellent, and timely, lecture. Very strange and disturbing parallels. I was introduced to the similarities of the Fall of Rome to our time now forty years ago in my Mystery School classes with dr. Jean Houston.....even more obvious now. But why? Why must we keep repeating the same stupid vanities of the human ego? Why haven't we yet evolved beyond such pettiness and greed? In any case, I encourage every American to VOTE BLUE to literally save our Democracy----although trump sure ain't no Julius Caesar, the result of vanity and greed for power are the same more than 2000 years ago.

[@thadtuiol1717]

Trump isn't even Marius, never mind Caesar. I literally despise him and everyone who votes for him.

[@dalereynolds7638]

Interesting approach but it's mostly designed to build a name for the presenter.

[@jaredhill1984]

Is the conclusion that we must accept the “fault of our stars” and not try and turn the decline of polis’ morality? I would more so critique the way the conspirators went about rescuing the republic, assuming it could have been rescued

[@bi.johnathan]

Not really ... its more like we have to observe what's within the scope of political reality, one conclusion may be that the republic can't be saved. Not saying that's where we are at (I'm terminally uninterested in contemporary politics).

[@jaredhill1984]

@ thanks for replying Johnathan - I think your videos are incredible and appreciate your work.

[@kelliebrown-gx7ff]

Will it fall? It already has. The American dream has died.

[@Pumpychan]

How is a guy your age able to lecturer like a 55 year old Oxford professor?? Did you get a phd at 16? How is this possible…🤔

[@Bojan456]

Is that audience fake? Looks sick

[@zoltanszoke4432]

Excuse me but the pope is Caesar.

[@LadyVTavora]

💚

[@cjyoung1634]

When was the last time America been comparable to Rome? Are we talking about the height? The fall? When justice is equal and which side of the line you're on as far as the power spectrum no longer determines the outcome of consequences we will be better than Rome.

[@Jean-Luc-sh2pg]

he cute

[@thadtuiol1717]

he love you long time, ten dollar

[@DZMYQD]

I can't blame you for trying to be relevant in comparing it to this election. But currently, with Trump leaving in 4 years it doesn't compare well. Nevertheless I enjoyed the perspective of Brutus!

[@jonnygraham2372]

Nice try Diddy.

[@InquilineKea]

So who is the Brutus for Trump

[@eric.aaron.castro]

You really don’t understand the political subtext of Shakespeare’s Roman Trilogy. - you have to understand first what makes a Roman a Roman found in Coriolanus, then how Roman society begins to fragments itself and come undone in Julius Caesar and Anthony and Cleopatra.

[@thadtuiol1717]

Exactly! This is a Bush League take.

[@gyasibawuah1358]

Your point?

[@BlakeTran-ei3cl]

Im early 🎉

[@john_strider]

Caesar-Octavian 2024

[@villevanttinen908]

Trump is already too old.

[@thadtuiol1717]

The gerontocracy that is American national politics is a massive issue.

[@jurassicthunder]

Yes, because of the 19th amendment.

[@therealdonaldtrump4528]

Free speech was a mistake

[@mhub3576]

Says an incel.😅

[@abedrahat3898]

​@@mhub3576 Says a philosopher

[@jurassicthunder]

​@@mhub3576so original, beta.

[@JeremiahRich-dd8ty]

They’re are millions of women that are more intelligent than you , just chill bro 😂

[@kurts4867]

the need for a Caesar is from decades of government dysfunction . If u don't want a Caesar then govern better...The notion that trump could or would be a caesar is laughable...

[@erik8719]

There's a corner of the internet known as the dissident right who compares Trump to Ceaser. Trump's VP is influenced by them.

[@kurts4867]

There is a corner of the internet showing chimps sniffing their butts Doesn’t make it a thing

[@kinoenjoyer6733]

John is a Brutus apologist, I'm blackpilled

[@bi.johnathan]

Not sure I'm a Brutus apologist. In fact, the opposite: neither his intentions nor his methods were desirable.

[@MaydayMishap]

No, this is not the case for America. Because we recycle leaders every 4 to 8 years. Rome didn't have this solution.

[@bi.johnathan]

Rome "recycled" leaders every year! The top job (consul) was held not just only for one year but by two people simultaneously. The scary thing is, these checks and balances did not prevent strongmen from taking power.

[@Drawperfectcircles]

There are businessmen in the background paying for the policies to be put in place. Most leaders are just figure heads to pretend fair authority still exist

[@q_cumber5936]

I double that, and say that the general consensus of what we call an 'election' may be one of the final one. We may still have voting, but it's going to take a different form..one way or another.​@@bi.johnathan

[@jospehco6994]

Without the strong man Caesar there’s no Augustus. You said not all Kings are bad. Was Rome not at its peak under the Emperors? Were the Senators really worried about the “Republic” and freedom or more worried about their positions, wealth, and lands? Maintaining the status quo.

[@kevinng1702]

Corruption, power and money…America will fall…maybe about 20-30 years…could have civil war II or 50 states will split apart…