Jennifer T. Roberts, Professor of Classics and History, and Nickolas Pappas, Professor of Philosophy and Classics, have been City College colleagues for more than thirty years. Here they discuss Jen’s latest book, Out of One, Many: Ancient Greek Ways of Thought and Culture. The word “many” in the book’s title describes the variation within and among the ancient Greeks, and the word “one” is a nod to the steadfast ego and drive of the individual, within which, too, there is vast diversity. They address opposing world views by various thinkers on the existence, the definition or surprising backstory and impact of concepts such as motion, courage, competitiveness, ostracism, and antagonism and Nick asks Jen what she thinks people imagine when they think of antiquity, and what students find most incomprehensible when it comes to learning about Ancient Greece.

In the event you might think this episode is not for the likes of you, I assure you that the conversation is lively, accessible and includes references to Seinfeld, the Muppets and Percy Jackson. Above all, their friendship and scholarly amity shines through, making this a conversation that will likely have you smiling as you listen.

Scroll down this page for a bit more about Jen who earned the Distinguished Professor title in 2025.

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