Victor Davis Hanson
Victor Davis Hanson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Victor Davis Hanson is a renowned American classicist, military historian, economist, and author.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 5, 1953, in Mountain View, California. Still active today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Classicist, Military Historian, Economist, Author
Early Life and Background
Victor Davis Hanson was born to Greek immigrant parents in California's Central Valley. His early life was deeply influenced by the cultural heritage of his family and the agricultural landscape of his surroundings. He grew up on a 200-acre farm near Selma, where he would later draw inspiration for his writings.
Hanson's interest in classical antiquity began at an early age. He attended Stanford University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Classics in 1975 and went on to complete his Ph.D. in Classics from the same institution in 1982.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Hanson has made significant contributions to various fields, including classical studies, military history, and economic analysis. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Teaching at Stanford University, Hillsdale College, and the Hoover Institution, where he served as a senior fellow.
Authoring numerous bestselling books on history, politics, and economics, such as "The Western Way of War," "Carnage and Culture," and "Mexifornia."
Serving as a contributing editor for National Review Online and a regular commentator on Fox News.Notable Works or Actions
Hanson's notable works include:
"The Western Way of War" (1989): This book explores the distinct characteristics of Western military tactics, arguing that they have consistently emphasized mobility, shock action, and technological superiority.
"Carnage and Culture" (2001): In this work, Hanson examines the relationship between culture and warfare in various societies throughout history, concluding that Western civilization's cultural values are uniquely conducive to military success.
"Mexifornia: A State of Becoming" (2003): This book offers a critical analysis of California's economic and social transformation, arguing that the state's decline is closely tied to its shift away from traditional American values.
Impact and Legacy
Victor Davis Hanson's work has had a profound impact on various fields. His writings have influenced policymakers, military strategists, and scholars alike, shaping debates on topics such as national security, economic policy, and cultural identity.
Hanson's legacy extends beyond his published works to his role as a public intellectual. He continues to engage with readers through his blog posts, articles, and media appearances, offering insights into the pressing issues of our time.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Victor Davis Hanson is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Unwavering commitment to classical values: His emphasis on individual liberty, limited government, and civic responsibility has resonated with readers seeking guidance in a rapidly changing world.
Profound understanding of military history: Hanson's expertise in this field has informed policy debates and shaped the way we think about warfare and national security.
* Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible language: His gift for clear, concise writing has made his work accessible to a broad audience, allowing readers from diverse backgrounds to engage with his ideas.
Overall, Victor Davis Hanson's remarkable career serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship and the importance of engaging with the world around us.
Quotes by Victor Davis Hanson
To assert that military history suggested that wars broke out because bad men, in fear or in pride, sought material advantage or status, or because sometimes good but naive men had done too little to deter them, was understandably seen as antithetical to a more enlightened understanding of human nature.
In some sense, winning against impossible odds – when most others cannot or would not try – is the only mark of a great general.
Almost every key indicator of the current economy – unemployment, deficits, housing, energy – argues that Obama’s reactionary all-powerful statist approach has only made things far worse.
For years postmodernists have lectured us that there is no truth, no absolutes, no timeless protocols worthy of reverence; Trump is their Nemesis, who reifies their theories that truth is simply a narrative whose veracity is established by the degree of power and persuasion behind it.
Harry Truman, after all, in conjunction with Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, radically cut back American arms following the end of the Second World War. Johnson himself wished to dismantle the Marine Corps and felt nuclear weapons had made all such conventional arms unnecessary.
When the successful military action against Saddam Hussein ended in April 2003, more than 70 percent of the American people backed the invasion of Iraq, with politicians and pundits alike elbowing each other aside to take credit for their prescient support.
The United States, being a strong and wealthy society, and with unrivaled global influence, invites envy. The success of its restless culture of freedom, constitutional democracy, self-critique, secular rationalism, and open markets provokes the resentment of both weaker and less-secure theocracy and autocracy alike.
Democratic citizenship requires knowledge of war – and now, in the age of weapons of mass annihilation, more than ever.
After three elections, voters finally caught on that Obama’s faults were not in the stars, but in himself. They apparently tired of the usual distractions from a dismal presidential record.
Can-do Americans courageously go about their duty in Iraq – mostly unafraid that a culture of 2,000 years, the reality of geography, the sheer forces of language and religion, the propaganda of state-run Arab media and the cynicism of the liberal West are all stacked against them.