The humanities have fallen on hard times. Knowledge of the humanities used to be the mark of a good education and the route to a fuller life. But education, in our technological world, is seen more and more merely as the route to a good job.

That’s one of the factors driving the decline of the humanities. Others include over specialization in education and, of course, politicization.

But reading good books, listening to good music, thinking about the world and your place in it – these all remain excellent pursuits for college prep and inquisitive adults. And here’s the good news. Lots of people have left us a treasure trove of materials and strategies for taking them on.

A recent online symposium generated some interesting observations about the humanities. Here’s a sampling:

The aspiration of the humanities was [formerly] the formation of the virtuous human being, one marked not only by academic achievement, but by honor, courage, self-sacrifice, generosity, moderation, comportment, and a willingness to serve as a model for others in society. Patrick Deneen, Notre Dame.

The humanities – art, music, philosophy, literature, and history – must be studied and taught for the elucidation of timeless truths and errors. . . . James Piereson, William E. Simon Foundation.

The best work of the humanities is to help us see human excellence: courage, soaring imagination, the capacity of art to leave us awestruck, and mere kindness come within its compass. But the humanities help us see through the veil that hides the inferno as well: the treason, cowardice, and spite that are also ingredients of our culture and ourselves. Peter Wood, National Association of Scholars.

You will find running through these commentaries a strong sentiment that the humanities need to be brought back into the homes of the general public and not confined to the university. It’s the study of a lifetime. If you need a suggestion or a strategy, write us.