In July 2013, at Toronto Pursuits, a bunch of inquiring adults gathered each morning for a week to discuss the works of Charles Darwin. Some in the group were anxious and uncertain about their choice of material – calling to ask about switching seminars because they found the material tough […]
CONVIVIUM – convĭ’vĭ um In Latin, it literally means “sharing life together.” Convivium has come to refer to a banquet with emphasis on richly prepared and novel food, the partaking of which was a pleasure – a conviviality – which would be accompanied by a generous flow of wines. A […]
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 […]
WALKING WITH SOCRATES This company offers learning vacations with a difference By Laura Robin, Ottawa Citizen April 2, 2011 Ann Kirkland runs a company called Classical Pursuits that takes people on trips based on readings and ideas. She also puts on summer sessions at the University of Toronto with […]
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 […]
I was sent this article by my assistant, Eva Elo, who, like Virginia Woolf, is a knitter. It comes from an online knitting magazine, Knitting Daily. I pass it along to all those who are knitters and/or fans of Virginia Woolf. It now seems natural that Woolf, who was always […]