The Great Books Idea Carnal

Who knew some of the best ideas and discussions can be found just outside your front yard? I was able to find this out when I visited my neighborhood library for my final public event. Being joined by three brilliant minds, such as Tim Lacy, an assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago, Adam Rose, President and Education Director of Great Discourses, and Hilary Strang, the Deputy Director at the University of Chicago, I was able to be a part of an amazing discussion and panel. Each of these speakers were able to give their own perspectives on what the Great Books Idea is and what it means. Not only that, but I also found out how this idea has manifested itself across several institutions, whether it’s academic, cultural, and business, over the past century. This was the first time I was ever introduced to the Great Books Idea, and throughout the discussion I was able to learn a lot more from what the 3 guests brought to the table. Some of these things revolved around some books that were mentioned, such as The Dream of a Democratic Culture, which was written by Tim Lacy, and the novel How To Read a Book. It interested me because I had always known how to read, but through that novel I was able to find out more on how to actually dissect a book in order to get the juice of knowledge out of it. From discussing this idea, one of the key points that I was able to take out was how culture is the best that has been thought and said. This is because culture is strong enough to hold people together. I keenly agree with this point, since I find culture to be very important in who I am and how I live my life. No matter how far I go in life, I always keep my culture and traditions in my heart, as well as the new cultures that I encounter as I go about through life. This can also tie in with how the idea of Great Books can differ among everyone, due to the differing educational perspectives that exist due to one’s culture and economic stability. Another point that was made that intrigued me was how being a human being is a skill, and that they aren’t born, but made. One of the most important topics found can be attributed to liberal education, and how that plays a role in our progress in life as well as understanding the Great Books Idea. All in all, what I was able to find was how self-actualization, understanding and engaging with the world, and the transmission of culture is what best represents the Great Books Idea. The essence of it, which Adam Rose was able to perfectly convey, was how Great Books is the home depot of ideas. In conclusion, venturing to the outside world proved to be vital, since it allowed me to learn more about a complex idea, as well as meet people who are passionate and love what they do and study.