Virtue in the Great Books
One of the primary goals of education is the development of virtue in the life of the student. The cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. Or consider the virtues as described by Apostle Paul in the "fruits of the spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23) - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Perhaps you have a copy of William Bennet's Book of Virtues on your shelf, which also includes important virtues like responsibility, friendship, and hard work.
While academics are important, school should not be dumbed down to the "R"s (Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic). School academics, positive peer pressure, social skills, extra curriculars, competition, and camaraderie all factor in as wonderful opportunities for a student to grow in knowledge and wisdom. At Knox we want to pursue excellence in all that we do, but our primary focus is on the development of virtue. Knowledge is great for passing tests and getting good grades. But wisdom is to be desired above rubies (Proverbs 8:11).
Proverbs 11:14 states "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers" (New International Version). Proverbs also says, "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps (Prov. 14:15, NIV). We live in an Information Age. At a time when advice is plentiful, cheap, and easy, and our nation is fracturing, suffering and declining, it makes sense that we, as parents, should gather around the idea of "giving thought to our steps". Which advisers should we listen to? I would like to suggest the the reference to "many advisers" in the above verse can and should be considered a just argument for the study of the great books. This is the ultimate goal of a classical education.
As you have opportunity, please visit our teacher resource counter and peruse our collection of the great books. Please take the opportunity to read them yourself. Please take opportunity to attend classes, and discuss the great thoughts and great conversations together. Your students will be doing this, and we as parents need to encourage one another in this process as well. The advice of these advisers has been tried through time and found worthwhile. We cannot, indeed we must not, believe everything we hear, but we can, and must, go back and listen to the sages who have spoken to our ancestors.
