I often recommend that parents and students and donors who want to assess a high school should pay attention to its valedictory addresses, to get a sense of the spirit that motivates its best students. At the best schools, these express a conviction that, in words attributed to Benedict XVI, “We are not made for comfort; we are made for greatness.”

What elicits desires for greatness in our youth? What forms the image of greatness that will shape the efforts of their lives? Read More

by Erik Ellis, Senior Fellow

I was recently asked by friends in South America to help set guidelines for the establishment of a canon of great books. At first glance, this might seem a straightforward or even unnecessary task. Surely, everyone knows which books are the great ones! And certainly, we can almost all agree on Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Dante, and a few others, but any student of the history of Great Books programs will know that the details quickly become murky —and show definite biases— once one moves much beyond those universal authors. Read More

by J. R. R. Tollkien

In the afternoon the King's company prepared to depart. The work of burial was then but beginning; and Théoden mourned for the loss of Háma, his captain, and cast the first earth upon his grave. 'Great injury indeed has Saruman done to me and all this land,' he said; 'and I will remember it, when we meet.' Read More

Events of Interest

National Symposium for Classical Education (February 19-21 in Tempe, AZ) - This annual gathering is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic and thoughtful conversation about the restoration of classical, liberal arts education today. Boethius Institute President Dr. Andrew Seeley will give a talk called Why Am I Here: The Role of Science in Liberal Education at the Great Hearts National Symposium for Classical Education.

Academic Retreat for Teachers (June 4-6) - Since 2007, the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education‘s Academic Retreat for Teachers has been giving new and veteran teachers, administrators, and board members  the opportunity to rekindle their passion for learning while exploring the foundations of Catholic education with colleagues from around the country. This event elevates reading from a privatized, cerebral process into a communal experience of charitable discussion, debate, and discovery, transforming the way educators introduce to their students the great works of the Western tradition.

Further Enrichment

How to Teach The Lord of the Rings to Young Children - Although some adults can find books the size of The Lord of the Rings intimidating, teacher Mary Shaye Brost has found ways to make them approachable for even young students. She offers several specific, practical tips for teachers and parents.

The Tolkien Fandom Oral History Collection - Learn about Archivist William Fliss, who has collected over 600 interviews from ardent Tolkien fans about their connection to Tolkien's works. You are welcome to listen to the interviews and, if you're interested, contribute to help him reach his goal of 6,000 interviews.

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