Why people recommend it
Persecution and the art of writing by Leo Strauss is a collection of essays investigating how historical philosophers deliberately concealed dangerous or unorthodox political ideas beneath layers of esoteric writing to survive political and religious censorship. On the March 18, 2026 episode of Conversations with Tyler titled Harvey Mansfield on Machiavelli, Straussianism, and the Character of Liberal Dem, Harvey Mansfield continued his exploration of Leo Strauss's works. After recommending the philosopher's broader political writings, Mansfield specifically highlighted Persecution and the Art of Writing as a crucial companion text. He explained to host Tyler Cowen that the book serves as Strauss's definitive explanation of esoteric writing, detailing how astute readers must decode historical texts to uncover the true, hidden meanings intended by persecuted authors. The endorsement provided listeners with insight into the sophisticated methodology of Straussian hermeneutics, emphasizing that major thinkers throughout history frequently wrote between the lines to navigate oppressive regimes while still communicating vital philosophical truths to qualified readers.
Who recommended it
- Harvey Mansfield Recommended
Harvey Mansfield — 1 mention
“Also, Persecution and the Art of Writing, which is his explanation of esoteric writing.”