by Nathan Carr
It seems that we humans have an intuitive sense of personal crisis–when society finds itself inescapably in its own collective head. We seem to know it in our hesitations on what can actually be asserted. We write Op-Ed’s like this one. We suddenly denounce most of the past and nervously pace in our doubts about the future. It’s the proverbial fish talking more about the water than swimming in it; the bird wincing its eyes in an effort to see the air which supports its wings, rather than winging its flight.
Mental naval-gazing is tough. The inner life is both unknowable and obsessive; we lose the sense of everything outside of us the longer we stare at it—everything shared, properly taken for granted, and necessary for life together.
Like education.
The Greek word often used for education is paideia: a word which defies a comprehensive definition, much like our word “culture,” due to its use as an umbrella concept. Werner Jaeger, scholar of that same word, once wrote that paideia might best be understood as “the process by which a community preserves and transmits its physical and intellectual character.”
Education is at its best and brightest when the quality of life and liberation of the mind toward any thought, calling, or imaginary is forever bestowed to each child of a particular culture. Jobs will follow in time, mortgages underwritten, 401K’s attended to, and college funds hopefully started. But upstream of all of that is something much more profound and humane—the full enculturation of a child into the giftedness of life itself.
But one might ask: Which community? Whose story? Who is the referee, here?
The Great Conversation of Classics, whose rigor and delight are beloved twins, has left the gate open. Augustine of Hippo, Zenodotus of Alexandria, and Socrates of Athens bid you welcome, though they would never break down the door. Instead, they luxuriate going on 2500 years and offer the same for the anxious and the suspicious.
Do not defy the anti-culture around you with suspicious children. Defy it with children who are drunk on the Rule of Joy. Where the world gives one present, we should give two. Where the world standardizes a test, we should standardize a feast. When the world is sweating college acceptance scores, we should be sweating over a hot stove filled with confections. And when the world gives up and plays the fool in materialistic glut, those who are first guided by leisure, whose handmaiden is the festive, shall attend to their studies, solve their equations, and rattle their conjugations with full bellies, rested minds, and thoughts of heaven, where old man Euclid shall be forever vindicated by the laughter of the God of circles.
Or we can argue about matriculation rates, ACT scores, and testing cycles. It’s up to you.
Nathan Carr
Nathan Carr is an SCL Fellow and headmaster of The Academy of Classical Christian Studies in Oklahoma City and recent author of The Festive School. Mr. Carr began serving at Providence Hall in 2006, teaching secondary school math and science, functioning as Upper School Development Director and then Provost before becoming Headmaster for The Academy. He is married to Sarah, and they have six children. Mr. Carr’s introduction to and subsequent love of great books occurred in the Western Civ classroom at Oklahoma Baptist University. After graduation from the University of Central Oklahoma, Nathan enrolled at Reformed Theological Seminary and earned a Masters of Arts in Religion. He has also completed post-graduate work at the University of Toronto’s Wycliffe College, is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, St. John’s of Oklahoma City.
Society for Classical Learning
At Society for Classical Learning, we believe that cultivating sound judgment and leadership rooted in virtue is essential for shaping the next generation of classical educators and leaders. Our community is dedicated to fostering these principles through collaborative learning, professional development, and shared wisdom. If you’re passionate about shaping thoughtful, principled leaders, consider becoming a member of Society for Classical Learning today. Join us in building a future guided by wisdom and integrity.
