Why the emphasis on the Great Books of Western Civilization?
The Great Books are almost universally considered masterpieces of our civilization. They contain brilliant insights, profound truths, and great wisdom. How does one obtain wisdom? As the philosopher Dr. Peter Redpath, an LSP faculty member, succinctly puts it: “If you wish to become wise, learn from wise people.” Reading and discussing the works of wise men allow one to enter into conversation with them through their books. “Reading the Great Books has done more for my mind than all the rest of the academic pursuits,” Dr. Mortimer Adler once said.
