Book Reviews2 Never have so many small essays made such a big difference

Feb 5, 2010

“Wisdom and the Well-Rounded Life: What is a University?” Milward, Peter. Golden, Colo; Fulcrum Publishing, 2006. ISBN: 978-1-555-91-651-0. $14.95 

Ask anyone who has been a teacher for more than 25 years if pedagogic strategies change frequently, and they will undoubtedly answer in the affirmative. The theory of what education is supposed to be and do seems to change with every new generation of students. But for those of us who believe in absolute truth, the idea that education is nothing more than training for a job is deplorable. 

Fr. Peter Milward’s book, if one can call it a book, as it truly is more of a short collection of brief essays, is a refreshing plunge into the pool of Truth. And each succinct essay is truly a gem.

Milward’s reflections all follow the same theme: What is a University? What is Knowledge? What is Culture? What is Music? What is the World? Each reflection builds upon the previous, yet each segment ought to be read on its own. Every individual essay speaks to a different yet integral aspect of education, wisdom, and the light of truth.

One of the most unique and beneficial aspects of this powerful little book is the experience Fr. Milward brings to the topic itself. He is able to combine his British education with his knowledge as a professor of Japanese and American higher education. Thus, beginning with the idea of a university and moving through the understanding of knowledge, wisdom, science, and the arts, this little book is not limited to any one tradition, culture, or system of education.

“Wisdom and the Well-Rounded Life” discusses the concept of knowledge, knowledge of self and of the world, both physical and metaphysical, as the origin and aim of education. It finds fault with a system in which the purpose of education is to equip students with marketable skills to be competitive and able to solve problems in the national and international marketplace. And it encourages the integration of academic disciplines instead of artificially compartmentalizing the arts, sciences, and humanities.

A press release from the publisher claims this book “looks at the questions that will help graduates as they prepare to become positive, contributing members of society.” The book is categorized as a “gift.” However, giving the book to a recent graduate as a gift might not be a good idea. “Wisdom and the Well-Rounded Life” will either be a recap of what the well-versed liberal arts student has spent four years studying or it will be a glaring reminder of all that one’s education could have been and wasn’t.

On the other hand, Milward deserves a place inside the classroom. As many liberal arts schools are revising their curriculums to include seminars on the idea of the university, the purpose of knowledge, and the Western intellectual tradition, these essays are, hands down, the most effective, most erudite, and least confusing intellectual approach to everything that defines man as a sentient species. I can only wish that this book had been a part of my liberal arts education.

Just because this book deserves to be on the reading list of a college seminar doesn’t imply that it is inappropriate for other audiences. It is truly a rewarding read for anyone interested in education, fascinated by the nature of things, and curious about the history of Western thought. Not much previous education is required to understand what Fr. Milward is saying, though an encounter with his prose is a most edifying experience.

As Socrates once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” There is no better place to begin the journey towards knowing nothing than Fr. Milward’s excellent little gem.

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