Learning and Teaching Center

If we surveyed our community about whether or not they felt that we should have a contemplative campus environment, I imagine that there would near universal support for the idea.  But I also expect that most of us would admit that we are not really creating a place that is truly inviting of the slow pace that contemplation requires.  If there is a spectrum between being busy and being contemplative, I think we would be close to the busy end of things.

While there have been numerous articles written about liberal studies being an endangered species in American higher education, Carleton is building a relationship with a new institution in India dedicated to fostering liberal arts education in India.

I thought that this poem on contemplation and reading would be a good way to conclude this newsletter.

By Emily Dickinson

There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul -