Four ways we can impact our world by learning about our history

The Torch: The Great Courses Podcast

Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer, and four renowned experts introduce us to what the new field of Big History can teach us about our future, how history’s greatest investor’s made their fortunes, what mysteries and wisdom are found in the Analects of Confucius, and how we can use history to predict which political candidate will win the presidency. Although Big History often focuses on the ancient past, Professor Craig Benjamin explains how we use Big History to learn much about the ways our actions impact the future. The average person knows more than they think about where to invest in order to profit. Professor John Longo discusses how these tactics were used by successful investors to make millions. Many people don’t realize the Analects of Confucius was not one linear composition, but is comprised of many independent tidbits of advice. Professor Robert LaFleur takes us through the process of how these individual pieces encompass a philosophy of life that set the foundation for modern society. For more than three decades, Professor Alan Lichtman has correctly predicted the outcome of every presidential election—including this most recent one—by looking at the past. Hear about his astounding process and more in this spectacular edition of The Torch.