Great Books as Life Teachers

Great Books as Life Teachers: Studies of Character Real and Ideal is a book written by Newell Dwight Hillis. The book is a collection of essays that explore the power of literature to shape our character and teach us valuable life lessons. Hillis argues that great books are not only sources of knowledge and entertainment, but also serve as guides for moral and ethical living. The book is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the character of real people, such as Abraham Lincoln, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and William James, and how their lives were shaped by the books they read. The second part of the book examines the ideal characters found in literature, such as Don Quixote, Hamlet, and Faust. Hillis explores the lessons these characters teach us about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.Throughout the book, Hillis emphasizes the importance of reading and learning from great literature. He argues that literature can teach us empathy, courage, and wisdom, and can help us navigate the complexities of the human experience. Great Books as Life Teachers: Studies of Character Real and Ideal is a thought-provoking and insightful book that is sure to appeal to anyone interested in the power of literature to shape our lives.1898. Hillis writes in the foreword that he approaches these volumes from the viewpoint of a pastor, interested in literature as a help in the religious life, and seeking to find in these writings bread for those who are hungry, light for those who are in darkness, and life for those who walk in the shadow of death. Leaving to others the problems of literary criticism, these studies emphasize the importance of right thinking in order to right conduct and character, and the uses of great books as aids and incentives to the higher Christian life. Some of the works examined in this volume include: John Ruskin�������s Seven Lamps of Architecture as Interpreters of the Seven Laws of Life; George Eliot�������s Tito, in Romola; Hawthorne�������s Scarlet Letter and the Retributive Workings of Conscience; and others. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.