Why people recommend it
Joseph Addison's classic classical drama explores themes of liberty, tyranny, virtue, and stoic resolve through the historical figure of Cato the Younger. On an episode of The Daily Stoic in 2025, Ron Chernow discussed George Washington, noting that the famous play was Washington's absolute favorite work and that the founding father frequently repeated lines from it. Additionally, the text has long been recognized for its profound influence on eighteenth-century political thought and revolutionary sentiment. On a 2024 episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson spoke with Andrew Doyle, shifting to a discussion about Doyle's satirical writing and the persona of Titania McGrath. While the podcast conversation touches on various modern cultural and literary figures, the enduring legacy of Addison's dramatic work remains a touchstone for discussions regarding classical education, moral philosophy, and the historical texts that shaped early American leaders. Scholars and historians frequently analyze the play to understand how Enlightenment ideals were communicated and celebrated through theater during the foundation of modern democratic states.
Who recommended it
- Ron Chernow Discussed
- Jordan B. Peterson Discussed
Ron Chernow — 1 mention
“And of course, his favorite play was uh Joseph Addison's Ko. So, we're talking, I think, 1712. Yeah. and there were all of these lines from Ko that he repeated.”
Jordan B. Peterson — 1 mention
“Now, of course, her name is going to escape me; it's Titania McGrath, yes, of course—of course. You wrote a book as her that was very comical, and you had and still have—how active is Titania McGrath now?”