WELCOME TO SCHOLARSHIP

In a world where we dedicate our precious attention to consuming as much information as possible, we often forget to pause and reflect on that information. Furthermore, to search beyond the surface of what we’re told is a rare occurrence. Many accept the general narrative as indisputable truth without understanding what truth means.

In opposition, I propose a different way to live — the life of the scholar.

WHAT IS SCHOLARSHIP?

The idea of a “scholar” is one lost in the language toolbox of most young people. People who hear “scholar” are more likely to think of academics in the university system, some of whom were elevated for their advances in the field of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” or other social sciences of dubious value and intellectual rigor. Scholarship in the modern connotation is a title belonging only to an elite few.

However, I have been raised to understand “scholar” as a vocation possible for all humans regardless of their station in life. Ultimately, a “scholar” is a lifelong learner.

WHY THE NEED FOR SCHOLARSHIP?

If this concept seems odd and irrelevant to your station in life, I urge you to hear the case for lifelong learning. I’m not advocating for a study of useless information. Your status as a scholar doesn’t depend on how much you know about a particular specialty.

True scholarship is not proving how much you know — it is not knowing for the sake of knowing. Knowledge is fine and dandy, but without meditating on its consequences we will never gain the wisdom fundamental to a meaningful life.

Sadly, modern education fails to inspire wisdom-centered education, let alone knowledge-centered. Education has become more of an indoctrination system than a place for building good souls.

This is the predicament of our culture — one that is uneducated, lacks worldly sense,— and pursues worthless things instead of the “Good life” as Aristotle puts it.

When I examine the political problems of America, it seems evident the solution is not to be found in a single political leader or party. True statesmen in the mold of Lincoln, Churchill and Pericles are in short supply – but even the best, most virtuous politicians cannot help us because the soul of America is bleeding. Sometimes I go so far as to say America has no soul, but to say “bleeding” is a more hopeful outlook. At least a bleeding soul can be patched up and nurtured.

As C.S. Lewis said in The Abolition of Man, “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts. The right defense against false sentiments is to inculcate just sentiments.”

He rightly understood education as the best solution to a bleeding soul.

Accordingly, the American cultural decline inspires me to share the fruits of a classical education. I encourage you to pursue scholarship in your daily life whenever possible. It is not an easy path, but it is the most fulfilling.