Great Ideas from the Great Books of Western Civilization

In 1954, philosopher and educator Mortimer Adler hosted a live weekly television series comprised of 52 half-hour programs entitled The Great Ideas. In the series, Adler explored 22 ideas that have shaped the Western tradition in literature and philosophy, ideas such as beauty, truth, art, love, good and evil, education, democracy, and the rule of law.

Edited by Max Weismann, director of the Center for the Study of the Great Ideas, How to Think About the Great Ideas: From the Great Books of Western Civilization is a collection of transcripts from this groundbreaking series. Follow Adler as he introduces and analyzes ideas from the Great Books of ancient and modern literature, ideas that continue to inform our thinking about life, the world we live in, and what it means to be human. In clear, accessible language, Adler explains the history of each idea and explores its meaning and significance in our lives.

Order How to Think About the Great Ideas today.
Order How to Read a Book, another classic by Mortimer Adler.

Special Offer: Experience the original Great Ideas television series on DVD or CD. Individual and series DVDs and CDs are available from The Center for the Study of the Great Ideas, a nonprofit organization founded by Adler and Max Weismann to promote the understanding and practice of philosophy in everyday life.

Proceeds from the sale of How to Think About the Great Ideas benefit both the Great Books Foundation and the Center for the Study of the Great Ideas.