I recently decided to watch a series of lectures on ancient Greek history. Dr. Donald Kagan taught history at Yale University for over 40 years. In the days that followed my decision, I became enthralled with Dr. Kagan’s penetrating perspective on the importance of those ancient events. He convinced me that they are still relevant today, and that, moreover, an appreciation of the humanities, as they were traditionally regarded and taught for centuries prior to being corrupted over the past few decades, is an important part of a well-trained mind. I will be learning more. I’ve ordered a copy of Dr. Kagan’s book – On the Origins of War – And the Preservation of Peace – and I look very forward to reading it.

I recommend Dr. Kagan’s lectures and his other materials on YouTube wholeheartedly to all of you. He was an amazing scholar and teacher who we have now, unfortunately, lost. I’d love to hear from others of you who find him as amazing as I have.

I was saddened to learn of Dr. Kagan’s recent demise – almost as though he’d been one of my own professors. I suppose in some small way I made him just that, by earnestly watching his lectures and “opening my mind to him.” So, he has touched at least one more person – me – in spite of his passing. I hope that he will continue to touch many, many more.

I’d also like to express my deepest thanks to Yale University for making Dr. Kagan’s lectures available to all of us on YouTube – this is a service to the world and I commend you.