Lectures on the Harvard Classics – History

The entire concept of an “education” has fundamentally changed since the “Harvard Classics” were published 100+ years ago.

A history of educational priorities and curriculum changes isn’t required. The “liberal arts” haven’t lost relevance, just been put on the back burner by increasing amounts of “technical” training.

“Modern education” tends to focus on teaching students how to earn a good living while the classic liberal arts focus was on how to life a good life. The two aren’t diametrically opposed – yes, the time for “school” ends at some point but an “education” can (and probably should) last a lifetime.

The original intent of the “Harvard Classics” was to “cultivate a taste for serious reading of the highest quality.” Still a worthwhile goal …

Will reading these lectures increase you earning potential? Well, probably not. Will reading these lectures make you a better human being? Well, maybe – but your mileage will vary …

The “History” lectures are available here

The “Harvard Classics” collection was first published at the start of the 20th Century – the “History” lectures go from antiquity to the start of the Panama Canal (1909ish)