"The keenest sorrow is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities."

– Sophocles, Oedipus Rex

Change of format! This week, host Cyrus Palizban invites a single guest, Nico Sarian, to dive into the quote of the week and meander from there! Starting with the quote from Sophocles' “Oedipus Rex”, we take a deep dive into the nature of Greek tragedy, the significance of individual actions and fate, and the impact of historical and cultural context on literary interpretation. The discussion ranges from the origins of the dithyramb of the ancient cult of Dionysus to the many names of Apollo in the further-flung Hellenic reaches to the intricate subtexts of theology, the creative reconstruction of historical narratives, and the philosophical underpinning of tragedy as a genre. Additionally, Nico shares some of his personal theses on the nature of good and evil, and how their distinction is often hidden from us. Can we really be responsible for that which we cannot know?

00:00 Welcome to the Lightning Podcast: A Unique Exploration

00:47 Diving Deep into Greek Tragedy with Nico Sarian

02:30 The Lost Art of Tragedy and the Mystery of Missing Plays

03:54 Reimagining Ancient Greece: Color, Art, and History Misconceptions

24:10 Exploring the Depths of Apollo's Cults and Nietzsche's Critique

31:36 The Modern Predicament: Religion, Philosophy, and Individual Responsibility

35:45 Exploring Self-Improvement and Reality

25:08 The Journey Through Nigredo and Personal Reflections

38:30 Delving into the Essence of Evil and Darkness

39:32 The Philosophical Debate on Good, Evil, and Accountability

46:28 A Deep Dive into Darkness, Perception, and Moral Realizations

52:01 Connecting Martial Arts, Legal Philosophy, and Fate

01:02:42 Wrapping Up: From Apollo to Lupercalia and Beyond

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