I (Gary Schoepfel) am afflicted with an advanced case of wanderlust. So, when Ann Kirkland mentioned Vietnam, I found myself accepting before she completed her invitation to accompany another Classical Pursuit’s trip. “Of course, of course” was my immediate and enthusiastic response. After accepting, I took pause. “Vietnam.” Hmmm? The […]
First, Why Great Books? Many have written on this subject, but I think Nigel Beale, Ottawa-based writer, broadcaster, bibliophile, is particularly articulate. This is an abbreviated version of his essay, “Why Read Great Literature: the guide to a good life,” included here with his permission. Most of us, through a combination of personal […]
Andrew Smith is retired from a career in financial services. He had never studied literature or been in a book club when he first showed up at Toronto Pursuits in July 2007. He has become a regular. From his home in Toronto, Andrew reflects on why he decided to give it a […]
Gary has led discussions at Toronto Pursuits almost from its inception and has been on the road to Italy (twice), Paris, Cornwall (twice), Greece, Santa Fe, and Quebec City (3 times). He is on deck for Vietnam and Cambodia in 2012. Why does he do it?
My brother-in-law told me about an article with this title in the weekend issue of The Wall Street Journal. Since both my vocation and my avocation are wedded to the idea that that great literature, art and music can and should help teach us how to live well and wisely, […]