Great Conversations

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Recommended: Historical and cultural influences on literature in 20th century america

Great Conversations

In Robert M. Hutchins essay, ”Preface to The Great Conversation” he discusses how he believes Great Books are the finest creations. According to Hutchins, Great Books are the books written in the Western civilization. Robert Hutchins believes reading these books will help everyone morally, intellectually and spiritually. In the fifth paragraph Hutchins state, “the rising generation has been deprives of its birthright: adults have come to lead lives comparatively rich in material comforts and very poor in moral, intellectual, and spiritual tone.” Hutchins believes this because this generation isn’t reading the Great books, to such on the materialistic thing in life. I disagree with Hutchins. I don’t’ believe everyone should read Great books. I disagree, everyone opinion of a great book is different.

I disagree with Hutchins belief, who is he to define Great books? I don’t think reading the books he describes in his essay will help our generation do better or worse. I think it’s up to our generation to define Great books. Our generation s is diverse. Everyone learning style and taste is different. However I do belief education is the key to our success, but the reading the books he describes in his essay will not do the trick. Our generation and society isn’t lacking because we aren’t reading these so-called Great books, it’s lacking for varies individual reasons. Knowledge is gained through several daily activities. Reading these Great books is essential. I would consider the works of Terry McMillan, Alex Walker and Maya Angelou to be Great books.

These authors talk about issues that affect me, my peers, and my community in today’s society. Reading the books Hutchins described help them overcome trials in their day.

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