Mortimer J. Adler Quotes - 50 quotes

Mortimer J. Adler (1902-2001) was an influential American philosopher, educator, and author. He is best known for his work in promoting the study of the great books of Western civilization and for his contributions to the field of education. He was born on December 28, 1902, in New York City. Adler attended Columbia University, where he completed his coursework for a bachelor's degree but did not receive a diploma because he refused to take a required swimming test. He later earned a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia. Adler taught at Columbia and the University of Chicago, where he collaborated with Robert M. Hutchins to advocate for liberal education through the reading and discussion of great books. He was instrumental in the creation of the "Great Books of the Western World" series and the "Syntopicon," a comprehensive index of ideas. Adler also served as the chairman of the board of editors for the Encyclopædia Britannica and was involved in the development of its 15th edition. Throughout his career, Adler wrote numerous books, including "How to Read a Book," "Aristotle for Everybody," and "Six Great Ideas." He was a proponent of Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions in philosophy. Adler passed away on June 28, 2001, in San Mateo, California. He left behind a legacy of educational reform and philosophical inquiry.