The Importance of Reading Old Books

C.S. Lewis, in his last collection of essays God in the Dock, wrote about the importance of reading old books. For me, this essay was life changing.

Lewis (or Jack to those of us who love him) points out that it is impossible for current writers to be objective about issues apart from the times and culture in which they are immersed. To get a true understanding about an issue, you must read great writers across multiple epochs. I have found that reading the Puritans, writers from 1770- 1950, and current writers is very helpful in breaking down issues... especially on matters of faith, family and economics.

This idea is not new. Columbia and The University of Chicago built their core curriculum around "Great Books" for decades. Almost all schools have abandoned this form of learning today. An exception is the tiny, but exceptional, New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, ID.

As you read my blog, I hope to introduce you to writers and ideas that spur you to.....
read more "Old Books".

Authors of Old Books I Love:
Adam Smith
C. S. Lewis
G. K. Chesterton
Alexis De Tocqueville
Ludwig von Mises
Richard Weaver
Edmund Burke
F. A. Hayek
John Owen
John Calvin
Cornelius Van Til
Jonathan Edwards

Knowledge may march forward with time... not necessarily so for wisdom.