In this final episode of Season 2, Myron and Martin reflect on the formation of Christian ethics while reading Aquinas on angels and the immaterial order and Calvin on images, idolatry, and the unseen nature of God.

"The human mind is, so to speak, a perpetual forge of idols."
—Calvin's Institutes, 1.11.8

01:02 Opening Reflections: Christian ethics
25:11 Roadside Attractions: San Diego
41:14 Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q50)
1:08:42 Institutes (1.11.1-16)

Getting Wisdom will return in May 2026 with new rules of civility, roadside attractions, and reflections on the timeless wisdom of John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas.

In this guest episode, Myron and Martin are joined by Cornell alumnus Carl Neuss, who recounts his shift from major donor to organized opposition of institutional capture. He describes how ideological drift, donor leverage, media exposure, and external pressure converged to challenge the university’s departure from free speech, Western tradition, and Christian foundations.

Cornell Free Speech Alliance: https://www.cornellfreespeech.org/

00:18 Guest Introduction: Carl Neuss
01:04 Cornell, then and now
28:02 Cornell Free Speech Alliance
41:15 Removing Ivy League presidents
1:01:06 Why are people terrified of changing the status quo?
1:13:12 Closing question

Myron and Martin reflect on the modern expectation of “knowing God’s will,” arguing that Christian maturity consists not in waiting for divine signals but in exercising wisdom, agency, and judgment—before turning to civility across social ranks, Aquinas on good and evil, and Calvin on Scripture’s testimony to the one true God.

"For I know that my redeemer liveth"

—Job 19:25

03:19 Opening Reflections: Praying for guidance

30:45 Roadside Attractions: Arizona

42:58 Rules of Civility: Social status

59:43 Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q47–49)

1:14:39 Institutes (1.10.1-3)

Myron and Martin reflect on Christian time management as an ordering of life toward worship, work, and virtue. Today’s civility discussion balances flattery and sincerity. In the readings, Aquinas turns to the procession of all creation from God, while Calvin defends Scripture’s credibility through prophecy, history, and witness.

"All beings apart from God are not their own being, but are beings by participation."
—Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, Q44

02:11 Opening Reflections: Time management
37:35 Roadside Attractions: Los Angeles
51:49 Rules of Civility: Flattery
1:03:32 Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q44)
1:09:47 Institutes (1.8.8-13)

Myron and Martin return to the topic of growth in knowledge and curiosity and discuss dining etiquette. In today’s readings, Aquinas wrestles with the ineffable mystery of the Trinity, while Calvin highlights how Scripture’s long-fulfilled promises reveal its divine authorship.

"When David is anointed by Samuel, what apparent ground is there for the transference? Who could have looked for a king out of the plebeian family of a herdsman? And out of seven brothers, who could have thought that the honour was destined for the youngest?"
—Institutes, 1.8.7

01:43 Opening Reflections: The Klappvisier Principle
23:36 Roadside Attractions: The Iron Door, estd. 1852
31:12 Rules of Civility: Rules for Food & Drink
53:25 Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q40–43)
59:23 Institutes (1.8.6–7)

Myron and Martin reflect on tithing time with intention. They discuss another of George Washington's Rules of Civility—this one on pointing, crossing legs, and fidgeting. In today’s readings, Aquinas offers a dense meditation on the nature of the Trinity, while Calvin affirms Scripture’s divine authority through its revelation to undistinguished observers.

"[Moses] remaining there forty days separated from human society; his countenance glistening during the promulgation of the law, as with meridian effulgence; the lightnings which flashed on every side; the voices and thunderings which echoed in the air; the clang of the trumpet blown by no human mouth; his entrance into the tabernacle, while a cloud hid him from the view of the people; the miraculous vindication of his authority..."
— Institutes, 1.8.5

04:21 Opening Reflections: Embracing adulthood

12:34 Tithing your time

27:13 The classics

34:20 Rules of Civlity: Fidgeting

39:41 Roadside Attractions: The Ark Encounter

46:08 Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q39)

54:37 Institutes (1.8.1-5)

Myron and Martin reflect on honoring God through daily choices, the value of wisdom earned over time, and resisting modern distractions that erode purpose and friendship. In today’s readings, Aquinas explores the language of the Trinity, while Calvin defends the role of Holy Spirit in affirming Scripture.

"The Spirit is called an earnest and seal to confirm the faith of the godly."
– Institutes, John Calvin, 1.7.4

01:07 Opening Reflections: Generational wisdom
11:00 Fellowship and making friends
22:05 Planning your time
28:41 Assassination of Charlie Kirk
35:40 Roadside Attractions: Niagara Falls by bike
42:07 Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q36)
47:41 Institutes (1.7.3–5)

Myron and Martin reflect on the freedom God gives us to choose well—or poorly. In today’s readings, Aquinas examines the name “Father” as a personal name of God, while Calvin affirms that Scripture reveals God more clearly than any other source. Today's roadside attraction is a beignet café in New Orleans, and today's civility rule addresses the subtle etiquette of accepting an invitation to stay as a houseguest.

"Scripture bears upon the face of it as clear evidence of its truth, as white and black do of their colour, sweet and bitter of their taste."
—Institutes, 1.7.2

02:33 Opening Reflections: On moral choices and modern comforts
27:19 Rules of Civility: Accept after one refusal
41:36 Roadside Attractions: Café Du Monde
46:32 Summa Theologica (Prima Pars, Q35)
58:56 Institutes (1.6.3–1.7.2)