Author and Editor Christopher Beha '94 Speaks to Seventh Grade Boys and Their Dads/Special Guests

Why spend a year reading the entire set of Harvard Classics?

Alumnus, acclaimed author and editor of Harper's Magazine Christopher Beha '94 did just that. Last night, he spoke to our seventh graders and their fathers and special guests about his memoir, The Whole Five Feet, which chronicles Chris's reading journey through the Harvard Classics--51 titles of great works that are said to fill a five-foot shelf.

After learning that his grandmother had read the entire collection, Chris was inspired to follow suit, seeking the insights, revelations and life lessons the works might provide. The books, from great minds like Plato, Aristotle, Cervantes and Thoreau, provide the reader with the foundation of a classical liberal arts education.

"Classics force you to meet them on their own terms," he told our boys and their dads. "You need to approach classic works with an open mind by trying to understand them, not based on whether or not you agree with them." In this way, Chris drew a parallel to our school-wide theme this year of respect: "Respect requires an approach of openness to other people. There's no better way to cultivate that respect than by reading the classics."

While acknowledging that the Harvard Classics represent one distinct perspective, he pointed to their value as a way to connect with the past in a meaningful way and how, with each re-read, you learn something new.

Following a lively question and answer session, each boy received an autographed copy of The Whole Five Feet to take home.

Chris's talk resonated at Saint David's, where we balance the classic with the innovative throughout our program. We thank Chris for returning to Saint David's. His latest novel, The Index of Self-Destructive Acts, will be published in May.

The Seventh Grade Father-Son Dinner celebrates the very special and vital connection between father and son at a pivotal moment as our boys prepare to enter their graduating year at Saint David's. It is one of our newer traditions, and always a thought provoking, meaningful evening.

For more on Saint David's School, visit www.saintdavids.org

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