Unfortunately, in Europe, America, and Australia we are seeing an abandonment of this Western Tradition in education. We a seeing a "dumbing down" of society. We should all be saddened by this fact.
Yet, we should not despair.
Each and everyone of us have access to the classics of the Western Education Tradition (for now, at least) and each of us still has a brain in our heads that we might use to better ourselves.
Below, I've compiled a list of texts and resources that should act as a starting point for a proper western education. Everything from literature, philosophy, and mythology to science, mathematics, and history are included. Where other "giants" of the western tradition have done a good bit of the work compiling/suggesting resources for me, I have utilized their suggestions.
Enjoy:
1. The Great Books - This is THE starting point for all who are interested in a proper Western-centric education. Mortimer Adler created a list of books from writers, philosophers, and scientists across the Western Cannon who exemplify Western Thought - a concept Adler referred to as "The Great Ideas". This is a rigourous program of reading (and thinking about what you've read), but it is well worth it. Not many have what it takes to complete Adler's Great Book list. Most of these titles are in the public domain and/or can be easily found online or in your public library. Please see the link for the list of texts.
2. The Trivium - In Classical Western Education, the Trivium refers to the study of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. Study of the Trivium is intended to teach critical thinking skills as they relate to information obtain through speech (that is, discerning truth vs falsehood; correctness, conciseness, and beauty of speech). The Trivium is the foundation of a "classical [western] eduction".
- Grammar - I've found for native English speakers, Michael Drout's Grammar is excellent.
- Logic - I've found no better Logic text than Peter Kreefe's Socratic Logic.
- Rhetoric - Here's a fantastic intro to Rhetoric.
3. The Quadrivium - The Quadrivium makes up the second half of classical education and further builds upon the "thinking skills" taught during the Trivium phase. During the Quadrivium, the student turns his attention to the study of Arithmetic, Geometry, Astonomy, and Music.
- Arithmetic - Basic Math For Adults
- Geometry - Wikibooks Geometry
- Astronomy - General Asronomy
- Music - Music Theory
4. Latin - The Roman Empire and Catholic Church had a huge impact on Western culture. One of the most pervasive aspects of that influence was the introduction of the Latin language to vast areas of Europe. Virtually all regions of Europe either adopted Latin outright or did a good bit of borrowing certain words and phrases. By understanding Latin you can better understand Western culture - and possibly even your native tongue. There are many self-teaching guides to Latin and some are better than others. I've found that some texts work better for some than others, so you may have to try a few before you find one that works best for you. Your local library should have several resources. Wikibooks is a free resource you may find helpful - Latin Wikibook.
Now, the listed resources above should be a SOLID starting point and should keep you busy for a while. Remember, however, that your education is never "finished". Education is a life-long process which you should take seriously and devote some time to every single day.
If you have any suggestions for further study, please, leave those suggestions in the comments sections for the good of the community.
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