This 36-lecture course explores the history of freedom, from the birth of the idea of liberty in classical Greece to our own day. No idea in the history of the world has been more influential than freedom. This course deals with the political, economic, social, moral and cultural dimensions of freedom.

"A History of Freedom" Parts 1, 2, and 3 (18 Cassettes and 3 Guidebooks) (The Great Courses)

Science & Math

Professor J. Rufus Fears

Evolution

Churchill

His friend, colleague, and esteemed political foe Clement Attlee once memorialized Winston Churchill as "the greatest Englishman of our time - I think the greatest citizen of the world of our time." More than a half-century later, Churchill's life remains proof that a single individual can change the course of history for the better and make of life a blessed and noble thing, despite public and private trials too numerous to name. Who was this extraordinary man who rose up at an hour when freedom and right stood in mortal peril before tyranny and terror to rally the British people? To say with courage, genius, and eloquence, "Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'" Moreover, how did he accomplish this amazing feat? And how was it that this achievement was just a single part of a long and fruitful life in a stunning array of endeavors? In these 12 inspiring lectures, Professor Fears presents a well-balanced portrait of Churchill that does not whitewash his flaws. Yet he also draws on the most recent historical scholarship and material from Churchill's writings and speeches to make the case that Churchill belongs with Pericles of Athens and Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest statesmen in the history of democracy.

The Teaching Company

The Four Supreme Qualities of Statesmanship Drawing on the most recent historical scholarship and richly documenting his lectures with material from Churchill's writings and speeches, Professor Fears argues that there are four qualities that merit for Churchill the title of statesman. In fact, Professor Fears goes even further. He argues that Churchill belongs with Pericles of Athens and Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest statesmen in the history of democracy because of his: Bedrock of principles Moral compass Vision Ability to build consensus to achieve that vision. These qualities, Professor Fears claims, are intimately related to Churchill's lifelong faith in the ideal of liberty under law and to his belief in absolute right and wrong. That belief enabled him to discern, name, and denounce the wickedness of Hitler at a time when such a stance was far from common. Twin Ideals of Liberty and Justice For Churchill, ideals of liberty and justice were best embodied in history by the twin bastions of Britain and the United States. Those ideals guided him through all the issues and challenges over the decades, and led him to become a friend of social justice but a foe of socialism. He remained a fearsome enemy to both Fascist and Communist tyranny, even though he was willing to bring his country into an alliance with the latter when the former presented the more immediate threat. No Stranger to Controversy Throughout his life, Churchill never shrank from controversy-and never lacked critics. Many of his personal qualities tended to provoke controversy, including his refusal to "stay in his box," compromise his vision, or avoid difficult decisions.

Lecture Transcript and Course Guidebook

Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life (The Great Courses Teaching That Engages the Mind) (3 Parts)

Religion & Spirituality

New Age & Spirituality

Set of 18 cassettes in 3 clamshell cases with guidebooks. 36 lectures!

The Wisdom of History, (Great Courses, Philosophy and Intellectual History)

History

World

Teaching Company

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Professor J. Rufus Fears. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Professor J. Rufus Fears

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Professor J. Rufus Fears. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

"A History of Freedom" Parts 1, 2, and 3 (18 Cassettes and 3 Guidebooks) (The Great Courses)

Churchill

Churchill

Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life (The Great Courses Teaching That Engages the Mind) (3 Parts)

The Wisdom of History, (Great Courses, Philosophy and Intellectual History)