James Schall says a liberal education is one that frees the student to a life of learning about what is, and isn't an education specializing in leftist ideology. The phrase what is forms the central refrain as he encourages those who want to learn about the world as it is, and it refers to those things that reflect reality and can be apprehended and comprehended by those who wish to do so.
The trend is to view all truth as relative and spiral into a power struggle of loosely held ideas. Real learning, however, is about understanding, principled living, and most importantly truth. Schall points backward (and to some surprising places, like the writings of Louis L'Amour) to assert that truth does exist, truth can be obtained, and truth is worth obtaining.
Three things are essential to liberal education: self-discipline, a personal library, and good guides. These elements take effort and sound judgment, but the effort yields harvests academic game-playing can't. Schall's essay (peppered with fine reading suggestions) is a call to liberal education, and a laying of the groundwork to help you embark on this most rewarding of adventures.
Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews
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