The classical revival movement in education has reintroduced the study of the great books of Western civilization to curricula. I know of very few modern causes that are more worthy. However, without naming names, I know of far too many great books programs that seem to be under the impression that it’s indoctrination to teach […]
Utopia and the Danger of “Sticking to the Text” Read More »
Considering we have a government that spends 794 billion on pre-college education alone, it’s kind of important that we know why we’re doing it. Luckily nothing could be more obvious. Education is a great thing. It builds community and fosters growth (whatever that means). Mostly it makes it so that people can get money when
When Education is Worse than Useless Read More »
I don’t know what happened to her in the end, but I know that by the middle of the school year my 9th grade debate teacher was more than ready to quit her job. Between the threats, standoffs, and the downright contentiousness that turned every discussion into a competition, teaching all of us was probably
Does Formal Debate Really Belong in Classical Education? Read More »
We live in a world where college is considered necessary for a full life. Good jobs, social status, and more, all seem to be dependent on it. However, when I think of the college establishment, I don’t think of education; I think of the “Pajama Boy” ad: a photo of a young man wearing pajamas that
Pajama Boy College Read More »
In J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Two Towers, the wizard Gandalf describes the palantír as a device that allows people “to see far off and to converse in thought with one another.” As someone who uses video conferencing for a significant portion of each day, the device Gandalf describes is certainly familiar. The idea of magical or
Teens Beware! Gandalf Wants Your Smartphones Read More »
I once asked a young adult what period of history she would most like to live in. Without much thought, she answered, “None of them.” When I asked her why, she simply said, “Because I’m a woman!” Finding someone with a great love for the past isn’t exactly common. Those historical chaps were always too
Turns Out the Past Wasn’t Actually Purgatory Read More »
Musicians are not usually the most humble people you’ll meet. I will never forget my bitter annoyance when one of my fellow orchestra members in middle school was appointed concertmaster in our intermediate level children’s orchestra. What had she done to deserve being placed above me? I went so far as to propose a violin
Ashamed to Play So Well? What Plutarch Gets Right About Musicians and Pride Read More »
