The Heart of Culture: A Brief History of Western Education

by Habiger Institute for Catholic Leadership, Michael J. Naughton (Foreword), Jonathan Reyes (Contributor)

The Heart of Culture is a succinctly substantive history of Western education and a profound witness to the necessity of maintaining tradition. The West is the product, not of geographic, ethnic, or political forces, but of a dynamic educational tradition. When that tradition breaks down, the culture suffers a crisis of identity. Today, the West is undergoing just such a crisis, as the perennial wisdom of its tradition is ignored, misrepresented, or outright rejected. This short book confronts that crisis, bringing to light the living, intricate educational tradition that built the West, from the Greek ideal of paideia to John Henry Newman’s idea of a university.

First developed for course use in the Catholic Studies program at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), The Heart of Culture provides a unifying perspective and a clear historical understanding of the lifeblood of Western culture, and is certain to aid teacher and student alike in the pursuit of excellence.

Genres: Education, History, Nonfiction

142 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2020

Reviews

[Grace Snakenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great brief history of education in the West! Reinvigorated hope in me as an educator and the importance of remaining close to the Church. Reminded of the reality that almost all universities were initially founded by different Christian denominations— founded on reason AND faith. Without one, we will not survive. There is a renewal and there is hope!!

[Connor Kmiecik · Rating 5 out of 5]

the enlightenment was so cringe

[Father Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a brief but trustworthy survey of the history of education in the West, one can hardly do better than this little volume. It has set out to present in an approachable format a subject that could fill a library, and done so admirably well without silly condescension or any trace of unfairness. Highly recommended for all--for the question of education is a matter that pertains to all of us, without exception.

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely brief introduction to the philosophical foundations of education in the nexus of Greek and Judeo-Christian thought, the rupture and departure from that glorious tradition, and how it may be regained.

[Anna Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

“… it is possible to have become a highly distinguished historian, say, or physicist and yet remain a fool”

The enlightenment was the worst, education is meant for forming the whole person (intellectual and moral), faith and reason are good

[Josh Nisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

To compress the Western intellectual tradition into 100 pages without gross oversimplification takes a special kind of precision, but the book mostly delivers. Sweeping yet incisive.

[Emily Strom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, readable overview of Western education. A lot of it was review for me, but it was interesting to learn more about Pestalozzi trying to enact Rousseau's educational philosophy and to learn more about the principles which underlie progressive education.

And I definitely need to read Newman's The Idea of a University. I've heard it referenced countless times, and the quotes from that in this book were compelling.

[Travis Vermulm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief, bias, yet powerful overview of the development and change of Western Education. The authors excel at summarizing the primary points of the theorists and thinkers in educational studies throughout the centuries. Let me be clear, when I say it is bias I do not mean that in a negative sense. This is a book written by and for Christian educators who want to understand the 'story' of how the western world's way of thinking changed.

[Stephanie Flear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so engaging I couldn’t put it down. It was the best summary of the development of Western education. I also loved the afterword mainly because it mentioned hope and the resiliency of truth. Without the afterword, I think I would have felt pretty defeated.

P.s. The Enlightenment really messed things up.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear, concise history of western thought and education, this book highlights both how the Catholic faith has shaped and directed education in the West and the key counter-movements that have opposed the Church’s direction. I found it very helpful in understanding the current state of education and the opposing Progressive and Classical hopes for directing education into the future.

[David Napierkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

So concise, so insightful, so clear. This book makes you appreciate our educational history—especially contributions of Ancient Greece—while also making you aware of how we’ve veered off course in the West.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look at the history of education in the West - as well as the history of its deterioration and fall. A must-read for those who seek to understand why we think the way we do, and why it’s so radically different from before the Enlightenment.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant summary/overview of the topic from Greek antiquity through Dewey. The suggested reading at the back is a great addition, too.

[Mary Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly accomplishes what it set out to do: provide a largely unbiased, easily digestible history of western education. Good stuff.