Anchored by the Classic Learning Test
Anchored is published by the Classic Learning Test. Hosted by CLT leadership, including our CEO Jeremy Tate, Anchored features conversations with leading thinkers on issues at the intersection of education and culture. New discussions are released every Thursday. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Anchored by the Classic Learning Test
Ben Sasse on Dying, Education, and What Matters Most
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Most people accept death as the ultimate loss—Ben Sasse embraces it with humor, hope, and a profound faith that changes how we see life, death, and education. In this deeply personal yet inspiring episode, one of America's most eloquent voices shares how a terminal diagnosis sharpened his moral clarity and deepened his understanding of what truly matters.
Ben Sasse, a former senator, university president, and thoughtful advocate for classical Christian education, opens up about confronting mortality with a rare combination of honesty, humor, and faith. He recounts the moments that have shaped his view on life’s purpose, from reading old books at Oxford to serving in the U.S. Senate. You’ll discover how his fight with cancer has transformed his approach to education—focusing on cultivating virtue, love, and friendship rather than mere career success.
Also joining Ben Sasse and Jeremy Tate in the conversation is Keith Nix, who has served as the Head of School at Veritas School in Richmond, VA, since 2010.
We break down:
The importance of reading the Great Books to gain perspective beyond our moment
How classical Christian education aims to reorder our affections and nurture true friendship
The vital role of intergenerational engagement in building resilient communities
The radical significance of the Sabbath in cultivating gratitude and humility
Ben shares moving stories about friendship, faith, and the hope that sustains him through suffering.
His candid reflections on mortality challenge us to make what time we have count—by loving our neighbor, pursuing truth, and living with eternal hope.
This episode is perfect for educators, parents, and anyone wrestling with life’s biggest questions—especially in a culture fixated on outcomes and success. If you believe education is about forming humans who love goodness and beauty, you won’t want to miss this powerful conversation.
00:00 Intro
01:08 A Vision for Education
03:11 Oxford & the Power of Small Seminars
06:37 Friendship and the Good Life
08:57 Family, Education, and Moving for Values
13:15 From Public School to Classical Christian Education
16:19 The Art of Rhetoric & Great Speakers
20:12 Influences of Great Orators
23:14 A Father’s Discipline & Coaching
24:42 Challenges in Classical Christian Education
25:57 Core Values & Future of the Tradition
28:39 The Telos Debate (How Do You Say It?)
34:37 Education Beyond Job Training
35:30 Rethinking the Factory Model of Schooling
37:45 Family & Intergenerational Life
38:21 Friendship, Community, and Education
40:00 Social Media & Peer Segregation
42:10 Hands-On & Artistic Learning
45:10 Maturation, Responsibility, and Service
46:18 Over-Consumption & the Search for Purpose
47:18 Music, Math, and the Language of Heaven
48:48 Seminar-Based Learning
49:25 Facing Death & Living Well
49:54 Suffering, Resurrection, and Hope
50:39 Faith in the Face of Illness
53:45 Shared Loves & Deep Friendship
55:29 Community Across Generations
56:10 Humor, Death, and the Christian Life
57:09 The Hope of Final Victory
58:10 Beauty, Identity, and Creation
59:41 Gratitude, Legacy, and a Life Well Lived
01:00:11 Final Reflections & Memorable Friendship