Mortimer Jerome Adler, an influential American educator and philosopher, dedicated his life to fostering a love of learning and the pursuit of wisdom. His renowned works, including “How to Read a Book” and “The Conditions of Philosophy,” reflect his commitment to accessible education and the enduring power of classic texts. This article explores Adler’s life and contributions, highlighting his philosophy of learning as a continuous journey toward intellectual growth.
From Copy Boy to Philosophical Heavyweight
Adler’s journey began unconventionally. Dropping out of school at 14 to work as a copy boy for the New York Sun, he aspired to become a journalist. However, a newfound passion for learning led him back to night school, where he discovered the transformative works of philosophical giants like Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill. This intellectual awakening propelled him to Columbia University, where he contributed to the literary magazine and eventually earned a doctorate in psychology.
Championing the Great Books
Adler’s career took a significant turn when he joined the University of Chicago’s law school as a professor of the philosophy of law, thanks to his friendship with Robert Hutchins, the university’s president. Together, Adler and Hutchins launched the groundbreaking Great Books of the Western World program and the Great Books Foundation. These initiatives aimed to make classic works of literature and philosophy accessible to a wider audience, emphasizing the importance of engaging with challenging texts to cultivate critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Adler also played a crucial role in the development of the Encyclopædia Britannica, serving as director of editorial planning for its fifteenth edition. His leadership resulted in a significant reorganization of knowledge, reflecting his belief in the interconnectedness of disciplines.
The Paideia Proposal: Education for All
Adler’s commitment to educational reform extended to primary education. He developed the Paideia Proposal, advocating for a curriculum centered on guided reading and discussion of complex texts, tailored to each grade level. This innovative approach sought to foster active learning and critical engagement with ideas from a young age. He further solidified his commitment to accessible education by establishing the Institute for Philosophical Research and co-founding The Center for the Study of The Great Ideas with Max Weismann.
A Philosophy for the People
Adler firmly believed that philosophy should not be confined to academia. His best-selling books, like “How to Read a Book,” aimed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to engage with complex texts and foster a lifelong love of learning. He saw learning not as a means to an end, but as an intrinsic good, essential for personal growth and a fulfilling life. He championed economic democracy, further demonstrating his belief in empowering individuals with knowledge and resources. Adler’s legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to making the wisdom of the ages accessible to all, transforming learning into a lifelong pursuit of intellectual enrichment and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
