Paul Johstono

@profpaulj.bsky.social

Ancient Military Historian @DukeU PhD; @FurmanU My opinions only

Hell yes! The study of Euclidean geometry as a through line: "the value is in reasoning through why it is that the lines remain parallel within the system constructed by Euclid...learning that if one thing is true, and another thing is true, then a third thing must by necessity also be true."

James@gravitysra1nbow.bsky.social · last mo.

I feel like I needed to take a brave stance and articulate my opposition to the accelerating encroachment of LLMs into educational and professional life. I realize I may be persecuted for these takes. othermeans.substack.com/p/against-th...

Really enjoyed the Odyssey. Lots of fantasy armor but wondered if Menelaus' was intentionally evoking Sea Peoples armor from Egyptian sources. What ancient tale would you like to see in a film adaptation next? For me, it's Leucippe and Clitophon, by Achilles Tatius.

Happy 100th birthday to Cpl Melvin Kaminsky aka Mel Brooks - the Mensch of Mensches When speaking of his service with the 78th Infantry Division in WWII, he reportedly said, “I was a combat engineer. Isn’t that ridiculous? The two things I hate most in the world are combat and engineering.”

Mel Brooks in ODs sitting in the cab of a vehicle during WWII, looking like he’s really over this and ready to start some satire

Okay, it's not lost Hieronymus of Cardia or a missing book of Polybius, but columns of late 3rd-early 2nd century BC Stoicism is a surprising find... AND, its (AI-located) critiques of technological learning and of learning that departs from our personal nature, are striking. Dear Prudence!

Bild

A toast to our fallen Airmen, a group of highly skilled aviators that advanced aviation every time they left the ground. Prayers for the families who are missing their loved ones tonight. 🍺

Since today is National Barbecue Day, 🔥 remember to give a nod to the patron saint of Barbequers, Saint Lawrence, who—when being persecuted on a hot gridiron under Valerian in 258 CE—noted: “Assum est, versa et manduca.” “This side is done, turn (me) over & eat.” csla.history.ox.ac.uk

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna with the apse of Saint Lawrence