Poetry, music, and the other arts, including history and languages, are collectively called the “humanities” because they invite us to the banquet table of the most dignified works from humanity. English poet, Matthew Arnold in his essay, “Culture and Anarchy,” challenges us to study “the best which has been thought and said in the world.” The criteria for what is deemed “best” must answer the questions that lead us towards a definition of a “living idea.” A living book is usually written by an author who has a great love for his subject and has the gift of conveying living ideas through beautiful language. A living idea, no matter the subject, conveys ideas that are true, noble, and beautiful. In short, a living idea feeds the mind and soul of a human being, as it engages both the intellect and the emotions of the learner. This summarizes the content that makes up a curriculum rooted in the humanities (and sciences).
In determining which books are justified for a humanities program that is based upon living ideas, we ask:
- Is the book literary and/or philosophical in style?
- Does it leave a lasting impression on the soul?
- Does it convey ideas that are true, noble, and beautiful?
- Does it feed the soul through a lyrical and narrative structure or a clear, well-organized argument?
- Does it engage the intellect and the emotions?
If the answer to each question is “yes,” then a book is worth considering for a classical curriculum. These criteria do mean that classical educators read many of the oldest works of literature, history, poetry, and philosophy, but we read them not for the sake of reading something old, but for the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty that they embody.
The humanities are a unified curriculum that encompasses the academic disciplines that explore the best of humanity. For instance, we study mathematics presented in a way that feeds the soul and is well-organized. We study the best discoveries of science, the best ideas from creation, the best music, art, and literature. The humanities and sciences do not bow to the textbook publishers of a utilitarian society. Instead, the humanities provide the best from all of our past and present.
The humanities give us a poetic experience not only with God’s creation, but also with the greatest artifacts created and discovered by people who have gone before us, as well as current thinkers who provide beautiful truths. Through singing, narrating, playing, and imitating, the humanities provide a curriculum that is worth wondering about. It helps to shape our affections towards the good and the beautiful.
As we gather a wealth of beautiful knowledge, we begin to internalize, analyze, and ask value questions such as “How does this work?” or “What next?” and “How can I figure this out?” Children are naturally curious. Given a humanities-based curriculum and an atmosphere that encourages meaningful conversations, students ultimately ask deeper questions such as “How ought I communicate with other people?” and “How can I understand the natural order of the universe?” The path of seeking wisdom and virtue becomes interesting when given the opportunity to embrace a beautiful framework from which to think and learn.
Benefits of a humanities-based curriculum:
- The humanities help us to know the nature of man. This ultimately helps us to recognize the purpose for which we are born. This purpose helps students to embody moral fortitude when faced with the challenges of life.
- The study of the humanities provides the goal of a liberal education, which is to make, as C.S. Lewis put it, “men with chests.” Raising up a generation of men and women who desire to live the good life through virtuous choices.
- The humanities point us towards the harmony and unity of nature. This helps us to care about people and our world.
- The humanities help us to make intellectual and emotional connections to the great thinkers of the past. Through the modes of the trivium, students can discover, wonder, gather, internalize, and formulate meaningful questions.
- The humanities provoke us to consider the ways of other cultures from our past and present. This helps us to see the overarching nature of man and his need for God as well as for healthy relationships with our peers and elders.
- Ultimately, the humanities lead us beyond our own experiences towards the contemplation of the eternal and divine. This motivates us to pursue wisdom and virtue which are the highest levels of learning.
The humanities unify the Liberal Arts education framework. The humanities help to define what the Liberal Arts curriculum includes. Centralized upon a body of knowledge rooted in the beautiful, the good, and the true, students are motivated to embrace a life-long pursuit of wisdom and virtue. The humanities provide the best preparation for life regardless of future academic pursuits or careers. The pursuit of wisdom and virtue makes us more human. It makes us care.
