Opening Up Sightlines

The transcript explores the complexities of defining broad concepts like genius and happiness within the field of intellectual history. It highlights the speaker's personal journey into intellectual history, driven by a love for diverse fields such as philosophy and literature. The discussion also touches on the evolution and criticism of the history of ideas, emphasizing the importance of capturing the excitement of intellectual exploration over the ages.

In what ways does the speaker believe their approach to intellectual history differs from traditional methods?

What does the speaker hope to achieve by recovering a type of history that addresses criticisms of the past?