How the Great Books Changed My Life, Why They Matter for New Generation

In American colleges, the traditional approach to education, which was typified by a demanding study of the classics of Western philosophy and literature, has largely disappeared, to be replaced by ever-more-restrictive academic specialization and flexible distribution criteria. The concept of a Western canon is attacked by many scholars as chauvinistic, and the public’s perception of the humanities is dwindling.

The American scholar Roosevelt Montás, who was born in the Dominican Republic, gives an intimate account of the importance of the great books today, particularly for those from historically marginalized communities, in this talk based on his book “Rescuing Socrates.” He also shares how a liberal education changed his life.