Reading has always been a favorite pastime of mine. Yet, recently, life circumstances have been such that it has been difficult for me to find the time to read anymore. But as with anything else, if it is really that important to you, one can always find the time.
Recently, I have found the time to work on my physical activity and my nutrition. And that has done nothing but good for my body... and for my mind. But I have come to a place now where the mind is unsettled, restless... and it needs something more.
So, I decided to reacquaint myself with reading. Reading for leisure has not been a problem. I can do that easily. But reading for study is something else. Reading to expand one's horizons, to form opinions, to increase knowledge is harder than simply reading to feed one's vain imaginations.
Therefore, I am revisiting a topic I have long been fascinated with: A Thomas Jefferson Education. The concept was introduced some years ago by a Mr. Oliver DeMille in a book entitled, fittingly enough, "A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-First Century". It is a fascinating book and one I highly recommend. (My own copy of this book, held together now by a black hairband, is tattered and falling apart, having re-read and referred to it many times.)
There are many jewels in this book, but perhaps my favorite element of this Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd) is its attention to classics and studying the classics. The author gives seven reasons why studying the classics is invaluable, not only to us as individuals, but also to us as a nation and as a civilized society. It is a truly moving book!
Having reacquainted myself with this book and TJEd, yet again, I have decided to resume my journey into the classics this year and really study them. Already, I have begun a book list of my 2013 reads on the sidebar. Some of these books on my list I have read and want to re-read. And then there are a lot of books listed there that I have not yet even started, but hope to have finished by the end of the year. I figure I might as well put them on the list and go for it. I am sure there will be other classics, books and otherwise, I will want to add to the list before the year is over.
In any case, there is a lot of excitement here for me. The unrest I have been feeling emotionally and mentally seem to respond well to this new goal... and the void that is there is anxiously awaiting to be filled. I am certain a study of the classics will not disappoint.
What would/does your "2013 Study of the Classics" list look like?
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