Genius & Ink 🖌

About Genius & Ink 🖌

Modern Meditations On Timeless Ideas armenikus.substack.com (https://armenikus.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Vashik Armenikus

Category

arts · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Sept 2023

Latest episode

16 May 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 May 2026

   How to Read The Odyssey with Professor Emily Katz Anhalt (Podcast)

   This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit armenikus.substack.com (https://armenikus.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7) “The immortality the Greeks understood was of other people remembering you and telling your stories — as we are still doing with Odysseus.” — Emily Katz Anhalt Hello friends, Some of you decided to reward my work by becoming paid subscribers, so while this episode is available for everyone to watch for free, there is a deep-dive section attached below for paid subscribers only, as a ‘thank you’ for rewarding my work and to be honest making it possible to do this at all. ~ Vashik Armenikus Emily Katz Anhalt is Professor of Classics at Sarah Lawrence College, where she has spent her career asking what ancient Greek literature still has to teach us about how to live. She is the author of Enraged: Why Violent Times Need Ancient Greek Myths (https://amzn.to/3PugrY5), Embattled: How Ancient Greek Myths Empower Us to Resist Tyranny (https://amzn.to/4drlws3), and Ancient Wisdom for Polarized Times: Why Humanity Needs Herodotus (https://amzn.to/4ePDuHl), the Man Who Invented History. You can also read her wonderful piece for the American Scholar here (https://theamericanscholar.org/the-art-of-coping/) In this episode, we talked about: Why does one of the greatest poems ever written begin not with its hero, but with a son who has never met his father? Why do the gods keep appearing — and what are they really? And why does Homer build his entire epic around a man who is, by his own admission, a brilliant liar? Professor Anhalt has spent her career inside these questions. In this conversation, she opens them up completely. For the deep dive, including five quotes from this conversation I haven't stopped thinking about; a reader's guide to the Odyssey's first four books and everything Professor Anhalt said about what this poem does to the way you live — consider becoming a paid subscriber to access the material below. Emily Katz Anhalt Deep-Dive Notes

2. 

   12 Apr 2026

   Philosophy as Medicine for Soul: Epicurus on How to Clear Your Mind

   This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit armenikus.substack.com (https://armenikus.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7) Hello friends, I recorded this podcast in March 2025. So, about a year ago! I don’t know why this recording stayed in the vault for such a long time, but here we go. It is free for everyone to listen to, but paid subscribers will get the full transcript, summary and a reading list below the paywall. I hope you will enjoy this episode. ~ Vashik Armenikus Philosophy as medicine Epicurus on How to Clear Your Mind In this episode of Genius & Ink 🖌, we explore the ancient Greek thinker Epicurus, who viewed philosophy not as a cold profession, but as a daily healing practice for the soul. Epicurus teaches us that clarity, not consumption, is the true key to happiness. He suggests that freedom from fear: fear of the divine, of death, and of unbridled desire is more nourishing than any feast. By inviting us to examine what we believe, what we want, and what we dread, he offers a philosophy of simplicity, courage, and tranquility. It is, in essence, a quiet revolution in how we live. We follow Epicurus through his most powerful teachings, including: * Lifelong Learning: Why philosophy should be studied at any age. * Inner Peace: How superstitious beliefs can corrupt our mental state. * Mortality: Why death is truly nothing to fear. * Desire: How to categorise our needs for greater mental clarity. * Pleasure: Redefining its true nature. * Virtue: Why sound judgment is the root of a good life. This episode is based on Epicurus’ Letter to Menoeceus, a foundational text that redefines what it means to live wisely and peacefully. Four Ideas of Epicurus to Keep in Your mind: * Epicurus does not deny the divine but rejects the "angry/jealous" versions created by the masses. He literally says: "The irreligious man is not the one who destroys the gods of the masses, but the one who imposes the ideas of the masses on the gods".

3. 

   22 Dec 2024

   Join the 2025 'Dante's The Divine Comedy' Read-Along

   Beauty awakens the soul to act. ~ From The Divine Comedy Hello friends, I am so excited to announce this read-along that I have been working since mid-2024 (or one could say for 8 years since 2017!). Treat this post as a personal invitation and a welcome-pack with all the sources that you will need to join this exciting journey. (If this email appears truncated, click here (https://armenikus.substack.com/) to read the full piece on Substack) An invitation ✉️ Hello friends, I’m excited to invite you all to join my Dante Read-Along in 2025! Together, we’ll embark on a deep exploration of The Divine Comedy, my favourite book of all time. So, what do I mean by a read-along? We’ll read one canto per week (each only 2-3 pages long), taking the time to uncover the rich symbols, allegories, and hidden meanings behind each one. Some call this a ‘slow-read,’ but I believe the key isn’t in speed of reading but in the quality of it; it’s about savouring the story as deeply and joyfully as possible. We will descend to Inferno and then climb up to Purgatorio until we finally ascend to Paradiso! While Dante’s The Divine Comedy is a book that can be read and re-read countless times, revealing new insights with each encounter, my hope for this read-along is that we can walk away feeling we truly know the work. To me, knowing means it has changed the way we live and act in the world. Every week I am going to read one canto with all of you and will be sending you a post with short summary of the canto (to refresh your memory); with some philosophical exercises (more on this later (https://armenikus.substack.com/i/146930845/reading-as-a-spiritual-exercise)); and a detailed description of characters, symbols, and references so you could enjoy the book fully. Each article will have a voiceover so you can listen to it if you don’t have time to read; there will be also a chat-discussion group for each canto where you can share impressions or ask questions to other readers. But first, let’s explore briefly why one should read Dante in the first place? 1) Why should you read The Divine Comedy? 🌑 I could easily write an entire book on this topic (and next week, I will share a full article delving into my love for The Divine Comedy), but here are three brief reasons: * It’s truly beautiful, and you’ll see it for yourself as soon as you read the opening lines. * Michelangelo, Leonardo, Botticelli, Chaucer, Milton, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Borges, T.S. Eliot and infinite amount of other artists, authors, composers were inspired by Dante’s masterpiece and considered it to be divine. * Dante’s The Divine Comedy is for anyone who has reached a painful point in life where the past has ceased to make sense and the way forward is unclear. Anyone facing the future with confusion, anxiety, despair. When the American writer William Styron emerged from his first major bout of depression, he described the experience by quoting a single line from Dante, the last line of Inferno, saying that he "came forth and once again beheld the stars": e quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle. It is strange that sometimes you have to go through hell to reach paradise. So, imagine you’re in a bad or confusing place psychologically - Dante finds himself in the forest dark - and you try to find out where did everything go wrong, how did you end up in a place you are right now. But while some writers and artists only point to disaster but not the way out, Dante shows us sublimely and beautifully the way out, how we can examine the levels of our morals, ideas, thoughts and beliefs to beheld the stars again! 2) What do I need to begin?🌒 * You’ll need a copy of Dante’s Divine Comedy (of course!)—I’ll discuss which edition to choose in the next section. * Turn on the notifications. Make sure that the toggle on ‘Dante Read-Along’ is turned on like on the screenshot below. (Click here (https://armenikus.substack.com/account?utm_source=user-menu) to jump to your notification settings. If any problems feel free to email me enquiries@artidote.uk ) * That’s pretty much it! It would be great if you could download the free Substack App (IOS (https://substack.com/app/get-ios?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_source=app-deck-appstore-button), Android (https://substack.com/app/get-android?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_source=app-deck-appstore-button)), which will allow you to join Dante Read-Along chat, access podcast episodes and voice-overs) 3. Which edition should I choose?🌒 Everyman edition with Allen Mandelbaum’s translation. (https://amzn.to/4gguOHS) There are many excellent editions available, but my favourite English translation is Allen Mandelbaum’s, published by Everyman. When I had journeyed half of our life’s way,I found myself within a shadowed forest,for I had lost the path that does not stray. (Mandelbaum) Mandelbaum’s translation is smooth and accessible, includes all three parts of The Divine Comedy (unlike some editions that only feature Inferno, just one-third of the work), and offers helpful explanatory notes at the back. It also has wonderful illustrations by Botticelli. This is the translation I am going to use. Arcturus Epic Classics edition with Henry Longfellow’s translation. (https://amzn.to/3VI1DVS) MIDWAY upon the journey of our lifeI found myself within a forest dark,For the straightforward pathway had been lost. (Longfellow) Longfellow’s translation is a classic. Readers can compare the first three lines of Inferno I shared above to decide which translation suits their reading style. The edition I mentioned is beautifully designed, featuring Gustave Doré’s iconic illustrations, though it lacks explanatory notes at the back. Penguin edition with the translation by Robin Kirkpatrick (https://amzn.to/49D2r49) At one point midway on our path in life, I came around and found myself now searching through a dark wood, the right way blurred and lost. (Kirkpatrick) Penguin edition of Inferno is the one you will see more often in the bookshops. Once again feel free to compare the first three lines that I included above and see if it suits you better. While one or five dollars may not matter in the grand scheme of things, it’s worth noting the differences: the Everyman edition includes all three books of The Divine Comedy, explanatory notes, and Botticelli’s illustrations for £17; the Arkturus edition features Longfellow’s translation, all three books, and Doré’s stunning illustrations for £19; and finally, the Penguin edition contains only the first book (Inferno), with no illustrations, for £16. Final note: It doesn’t matter which edition or translation you choose, as long as you can immerse yourself in the flow of Dante’s mind and fully embrace the experience. All of the editions mentioned above are excellent publications that you’ll be glad to have on your shelf. 4. Meet the Team!🌒 O human race, born to fly upward, wherefore at a little wind dost thou so fall? I feel privileged and fortunate enough to have two amazing people on the team. Lisa Statler (https://substack.com/profile/133232349-lisa-statler) as the editor and contributor (you will meet her in her own words), and Luana Montebello (https://substack.com/profile/72296600-luana-montebello) as our illustrator whose beautiful drawings will embellish this read-along. Here’s Luana’s amazing logo for our read-along: 5. Can I read at my own pace?🌒 Yes, absolutely! Every post, discussion thread, and character page will be carefully organised, allowing you to read at your own pace while staying connected to our reading community. Just keep in mind, the goal of this project is to make reading Dante both enjoyable and deeply meaningful for you. 6. Any other questions?🌒 If you still have questions, feel free to send me a direct message by clicking the button below. (you can also send me an email enquiries @ artidote.uk) 7. Is the read-along free?🌙 Yes, all the main material (weekly posts, character profiles, deep-dives and podcast) is going to be free of charge. But you’re welcome to support this project by becoming a paid member. 8. When does it begin?☀️ The first post will arrive in your inboxes on Sunday, January 12th, 2025. From that day forward, we’ll embark on our journey, reading one canto per week. If you’re joining us, be sure to have your copy of The Divine Comedy ready by then! Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

4. 

   24 Nov 2024

   Géricault: What Happens When You Lose Hope

   Vashik Armenikus shares the haunting story behind Géricault's 'The Raft of Medusa', a masterpiece that depicts the unimaginable horror and human degradation of a tragic maritime disaster, raising profound questions about hope, despair, and the human condition.

5. 

   27 Oct 2024

   Ep.6: Pasternak vs. Stalin, Eliade on Life, and Calasso on How to Get Unstuck

   In this episode we explore three thought provoking ideas. First, we delve into Boris Pasternak’s quiet stand against Stalin—a testament to poetry’s power against oppression. Then, a single line from philosopher Mircea Eliade reminds us that to truly grow, one must embrace life’s darker transformations. Lastly, Roberto Calasso warns of creativity’s erosion in our automated age, urging a return to genuine ritual over mindless procedure. Join me in this exploration of words, resistance, and renewal. Thank you House Of Neglected Poetry (https://substack.com/profile/114959264-house-of-neglected-poetry) for sharing Pasternak’s story! 💭 Interesting links * George Steiner’s story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMACXIFyE8E) of Pasternak’s courage. * Mircea Eliade’s Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mircea_Eliade) * Calasso’s book (https://amzn.to/3YD1c0J) * Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/armenikus (https://www.patreon.com/armenikus) * My Newsletter 📚 - 👉 http://eepurl.com/he7YKD (http://eepurl.com/he7YKD) * Instagram 📷 - 👉 https://www.instagram.com/armenikus/ (https://www.instagram.com/armenikus/) * Podcast 🎤- 👉 https://artidote.uk/ * YouTube Channel 🍿 👉 Find Here (https://www.youtube.com/@VashikArmenikus/featured) Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

6. 

   28 Apr 2024

   Ep. 5: Libraries: How Brewers' Lobby Tried to Stop the Spread of Knowledge

   Hello friends, In this episode, we explore a wonderful book called (https://amzn.to/3WzbjTZ)The Library: A Fragile History written by Arthur der Weduwen and Andrew Pettegree. In one of the chapters, they mention a powerful brewers’ lobby that tried to stop the expansion of public libraries in England. (This is back in the 19th century) Why would companies that make money on selling beer be against books? 💭 Interesting links * You can get this wonderful book here. (https://amzn.to/3WzbjTZ) * This wonderful documentary on The National Library of France (https://aeon.co/videos/a-bibliophiles-paradise-the-national-library-of-france-in-a-classic-documentary-from-1956) * I wrote about my grandfather’s library (https://armenikus.substack.com/p/in-search-of-my-grandfathers-library). (One of my favourite pieces) * Weird ASMR video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ez3hPtjwvs) of a library by Victoria & Albert Museum in London * Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/armenikus (https://www.patreon.com/armenikus) * My Newsletter 📚 - 👉 http://eepurl.com/he7YKD (http://eepurl.com/he7YKD) * Instagram 📷 - 👉 https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/ (https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/) * Podcast 🎤- 👉 https://artidote.uk/ * YouTube Channel 🍿 👉 Find Here (https://www.youtube.com/@VashikArmenikus/featured) Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

7. 

   21 Apr 2024

   Ep. 4: Schopenhauer on How to Organise Your Library and Your Mind.

   Our minds often resemble a disordered library. We might be well-read, but not be able to use knowledge when we need it. In this episode we explore a short passage from Schopenhauer’s essay ‘On Thinking for Yourself’. The passage: As the biggest library if it is in disorder is not as useful as a small but well-arranged one, so you may accumulate a vast amount of knowledge but it will be of far less value to you than a much smaller amount if you have not thought it over for yourself; because only through ordering what you know by comparing every truth with every other truth can you take complete possession of your knowledge and get it into your power. You can think about only what you know, so you ought to learn something; on the other hand, you can know only what you have thought about. ~ On Thinking for Yourself from Essays and Aphorisms by Arthur Schopenhauer 💭 Interesting links * My edition of Schopenhauer’s Essays and Aphorisms (https://amzn.to/3Qa6r3s) * This video by Aeon mag (https://aeon.co/videos/the-intellectual-legacy-of-philosophys-greatest-pessimist-life-is-suffering-art-is-supreme): The intellectual legacy of philosophy’s greatest pessimist: life is suffering, art is supreme * Here are 6 books (https://armenikus.substack.com/p/8-philosophy-books-for-beginners) on philosophy that I recommend * Philosophy for the Beginners - My YouTube video (https://youtu.be/UmmANOYJzcA?si=ZtLQ4IxhMDf4G75O) * Michel Houellebecq’s short book on Schopenhauer (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Presence-Schopenhauer-Michel-Houellebecq/dp/1509543252/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2QZ6OEW0M3OUL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ebZTMNgdWfADL0RN7qUixIWeby-MmphQpQQK4fkMWJ9kyKOoSnxSsHQCRH3hznZMDq5a9DE1pTNpjcDERFqdycC4um9Y1zPoFnkcUlHIY7IT_fQWcBcr-GZtOmeE424_-0jXLq8wh-TFZZQcpTkn3jU3Fr60CJzZLiPLLUz8fMmac6Be5WrCf1dR0luvEChcs0NfPvxIhn9-qa2AaKKIaC2ekMzdTx1Plnm-nBWLFlQ.vhFONedAezStWCo7_L_9ipFOy9XgcIxmjlWxC-MlWpo&dib_tag=se&keywords=schopenhauer+biography&qid=1713612432&s=books&sprefix=schopenhauer+biogra%2Cstripbooks%2C87&sr=1-6) is quite interesting. * Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/armenikus (https://www.patreon.com/armenikus) * My Newsletter 📚 - 👉 http://eepurl.com/he7YKD (http://eepurl.com/he7YKD) * Instagram 📷 - 👉 https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/ (https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/) * Podcast 🎤- 👉 https://artidote.uk/ * YouTube Channel 🍿 👉 Find Here (https://www.youtube.com/@VashikArmenikus/featured) Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

8. 

   20 Dec 2023

   EP. 3 Tolstoy on Science vs Religion, and the Meaning of Life

   In this episode, we're delving into a rare book by Leo Tolstoy, written during his darkest times. Tolstoy, a Christian mystic, delves into the relationship between religion, science, and the human spirit. * Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/armenikus (https://www.patreon.com/armenikus) * My Newsletter 📚 - 👉 http://eepurl.com/he7YKD (http://eepurl.com/he7YKD) * Instagram 📷 - 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ar (https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/)menikus * Podcast 🎤- 👉 https://artidote.uk/ * YouTube Channel 🍿 👉 Find Here (https://www.youtube.com/@VashikArmenikus/featured) Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

9. 

   14 Nov 2023

   EP 2: Simone Weil: Paying Attention as a Spiritual Exercise (BASED ON MY ARTICLE)

   Attention is "the rarest and purest form of generosity." The act of giving oneself-turning away from one's own self and turning toward the world, making a place for others by placing one's own self in a subordinate position- is true attention. Dear listeners, This episode is an unusual one. It’s the audio version of my article on the French philosopher Simone Weil, who had a revolutionary perspective on the nature of our attention. She says that without being able to pay true attention to life we won’t be able to find true meaning of it. That piece took me a long time to write, but it also turned out to be quite lengthy itself. Since I appreciate every single second you spend reading my articles or watching my videos, I recorded this episode so you could listen to the ideas of Simone Weil if you don’t have sufficient time to read it. Would you like more reading episodes like this in the future? Let me know, Confide tibimet! * My Newsletter 📚 - 👉 http://eepurl.com/he7YKD (http://eepurl.com/he7YKD) * Instagram 📷 - 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ar (https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/)menikus * Podcast 🎤- 👉 https://artidote.uk/ * YouTube Channel 🍿 👉 Find Here (https://www.youtube.com/@VashikArmenikus/featured) Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

10. 

    8 Oct 2023

    EP 1: Montaigne on 'How to Live' and 'How to Die'

    The French philosopher Michel de Montaigne had an enormous influence on every thinker who came after he died in 1592. Voltaire, Rousseau, Nietzsche, Camus, and Hannah Arendt are only a few names who quoted Montaigne as their influence. Montaigne is also known as the inventor of Essay as a genre. Unfortunately, our modern schools and universities often miss the original purpose of this genre. Essay comes from the French word ‘essayer’ which means ‘to attempt’, ‘to try’. In this episode, I want to talk briefly about how you can use this powerful tool that Montaigne invented to improve your life. 💭 Interesting links * The best translation of Montaigne’s Essays (in my opinion, of course) → https://amzn.to/46DxaMC * My essay on how Seneca saw friendship (https://armenikus.medium.com/how-to-make-genuine-friends-according-to-stoics-8fe40c4c7417?sk=c557caf60bb1981267a53a400805c0d4) * I’ve made a video about Montaigne’s three philosophies of life. (https://youtu.be/s0WCatwrUTc) * Sarah Bakewell’s book on Montaigne is brilliant. (https://amzn.to/43e5n2j) * My Newsletter 📚 - 👉 http://eepurl.com/he7YKD (http://eepurl.com/he7YKD) * Instagram 📷 - 👉 https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/ (https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/) * Podcast 🎤- 👉 https://artidote.uk/ * YouTube Channel 🍿 👉 Find Here (https://www.youtube.com/@VashikArmenikus/featured) Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

11. 

    17 Sept 2023

    Japanese Koan: Being Provoked into Thinking. (Intro)

    Hello friends! Over the past 15 years I’ve documented every book that I’ve ever read in my journal or commonplace book. The result is that as of June 2023, I’ve about 30 Moleskine notebooks full of ideas, quotes and passages written by some of the greatest minds that ever lived. From the mind-blowing ideas of Nietzsche and the beautiful language of Vladimir Nabokov’s stories to the sublime labyrinths of mind of Jorge Luis Borges. The problem with this cabinet of curiosities of mine is that it sits and waits on my bookshelves for someone to come, read and rediscover them again. Treat this podcast as a shared weekly diary where we explore beautiful, timeless ideas from books written by the greatest minds, thinkers, and humans who have ever lived. V.A. 🖊️ Mentioned in this episode: * Japanese Koan * Goethe’s advice comes from this book here. (https://amzn.to/43I6yIs) * Oliver Burkeman’s book 4000 thousand weeks (https://amzn.to/3Cr72Xi) * My favourite translation of Les Misérables (https://amzn.to/4639zV2) * Essay on Virginia Woolf (https://amzn.to/4639zV2) * My Newsletter 📚 - 👉 http://eepurl.com/he7YKD (http://eepurl.com/he7YKD) * Instagram 📷 - 👉 https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/ (https://www.instagram.com/arti_dote/) * Podcast 🎤- 👉 https://artidote.uk/ * YouTube Channel 🍿 👉 Find Here (https://www.youtube.com/@VashikArmenikus/featured) Get full access to Genius & Ink 🖌 at armenikus.substack.com/subscribe (https://armenikus.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings