Harvard Classics Reading Club discussion

As we all know, Dr. Charles Eliot, then President of Harvard University, had stated in speeches that the elements of a liberal education could be obtained by spending 15 minutes a day reading from a collection of books that could fit on a five-foot shelf and the Harvard Classics is that five-foot bookshelf.

According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities: “a liberal education is an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g., science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest. A liberal education helps students develop a sense of social responsibility as well as strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings.”

A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy by Laurence Sterne is a selection from Volume Three of The Harvard Classics Shelf of Fiction.

Q: How does this book add to your liberal education?

Aside from being a fun read, this book reminds it’s readers that a good liberal begins with 1) a knowledge of foreign languages; 2) a willingness to interact with and observe other cultures; and 3) an ability to enjoy yourself.

I’d be interested in your thoughts on how this book contributes to your own education.