Victor Davis Hanson: From Farm to Acclaimed Historian and Commentator
Victor Davis Hanson's journey is a testament to the enduring relevance of classical wisdom in understanding contemporary issues. His unique background, blending agricultural roots with rigorous academic training, has shaped his perspective as a historian, military expert, and cultural commentator.
Early Life and Influences
Born in 1953, Victor Davis Hanson spent his formative years on a family farm in Selma, California. His parents, a school administrator and one of California’s first female judges, instilled in him a strong work ethic. This upbringing on the farm proved to be a crucial influence, teaching him the value of hard work and providing him with a "tragic view" of life, a perspective reinforced by his later studies of the classics. Hanson sees his diverse endeavors - farming, scholarship, teaching, and journalism - as interconnected aspects of a single career, all rooted in the lessons learned on the farm.
Education and Academic Career
Initially intending to pursue law, Hanson's academic path shifted when he discovered a passion for the classics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He went on to receive a doctoral fellowship at Stanford University and spent two years in Athens during the late 1970s, conducting research. His doctoral thesis, "Warfare and Agriculture in Classical Greece," challenged the prevailing assumptions that ancient Greek warfare systematically destroyed agriculture, leading to famine. Hanson's firsthand experience with the demanding labor of farming allowed him to question the feasibility of such widespread destruction with the tools available at the time. This work was recognized by Italian classicist Emilio Gabba, who arranged for its publication.
When a sharp decline in raisin prices in the early 1980s created financial hardship, Hanson sought employment at California State University, Fresno. There, he taught a diverse student body, many of whom were from minority backgrounds and facing economic challenges. Hanson emphasized the importance of developing strong reasoning, speaking, and writing skills, arguing that these abilities, honed through the study of the classics, were essential for success, regardless of vocational training.
Contributions to Classical Studies and Military History
Hanson's scholarship has made significant contributions to the understanding of ancient Greece. Yale University classicist Donald Kagan has hailed Hanson's work on the role of the small family farmer in the development of democracy as "the most important work in Greek history in my lifetime." His book, The Other Greeks, further explores this theme, arguing that the emergence of a middling agrarian class was crucial to the rise of the Greek city-state and its values of consensual government, private property, civic militarism, and individualism.
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Hanson's expertise extends beyond classical studies to military history. His book, The Western Way of War, examines ancient Greek battle tactics and their influence on Western military practices. Carnage and Culture, published in 2001, analyzes nine battles from Salamis to Tet, seeking to understand the reasons for Western military successes. This book became a bestseller following the 9/11 attacks, transforming Hanson into a sought-after commentator on war and politics.
Agrarianism and Cultural Commentary
In addition to his work on ancient Greece and military history, Hanson has written extensively on the decline of family farming and rural communities. In Fields Without Dreams and The Land Was Everything, he expresses concern over the loss of agrarian voices in American democracy.
Hanson is also a prominent cultural commentator, often expressing conservative views on contemporary issues. He has written extensively on topics such as immigration, education, and the state of Western civilization. He is concerned about the decline of traditional values and the rise of what he sees as decadence and a lack of civic responsibility.
Key Themes and Perspectives
Several key themes run through Hanson's work:
- The Importance of Classical Wisdom: Hanson believes that the study of ancient Greece and Rome provides valuable insights into human nature and the challenges facing contemporary society.
- The Significance of Agrarianism: He argues that the values and experiences of family farmers are essential to a healthy democracy and a strong society.
- The Enduring Nature of Human Nature: Hanson maintains that human nature is fundamentally unchanging, and that understanding this is crucial to addressing current problems.
- The Precariousness of Civilization: He warns that civilization is a fragile achievement that must be constantly defended and transmitted to future generations.
Recognition and Awards
Hanson's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the National Humanities Medal in 2007. He has held positions at various institutions, including California State University, Fresno, the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, and Hillsdale College.
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Criticism and Controversy
Hanson's work has also faced criticism. Some scholars have questioned his interpretations of classical history and his political commentary. His book, Who Killed Homer?, co-authored with John Heath, sparked debate about the state of classical education. Critics have argued that the book presents an idealized view of the past. Some have also criticized Hanson's views on race and other social issues.
Selected Works
Hanson is a prolific writer, with numerous books, articles, and essays to his name. Some of his notable works include:
- Warfare and Agriculture in Classical Greece (1983)
- The Western Way of War (1989)
- The Other Greeks (1995)
- Fields Without Dreams (1996)
- Who Killed Homer? The Demise of Classical Education and the Recovery of Greek Wisdom (1998)
- The Soul of Battle (1999)
- Carnage and Culture (2001)
- Mexifornia: A State of Becoming (2003)
- Ripples of Battle (2003)
- A War Like No Other (2005)
- The Father of Us All: War and History, Ancient and Modern (2010)
- The Savior Generals: How Five Great Commanders Saved Wars That Were Lost - From Ancient Greece to Iraq (2013)
- The Second World Wars: How the First Global Conflict Was Fought and Won (2017)
- The Case for Trump (2019)
- The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America (2021)
- The End of Everything: How Wars Descend into Annihilation (2024)
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