Mortimer Jerome Adler
December 28, 1902 - June 28, 2001
Manifestly, dying is nothing to a really great and brave man.
-Mark Twain
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Condolences from friends, members, and colleagues:
Max,
What a wonderful tribute to Mortimer. Thanks so much for
sending it to me. We are all going to miss Mortimer, but at
least we all still have good friends that appreciate him.
Nina Houghton
========================
The death of Mortimer Adler marks the end of an era he had
a large part in defining. Chesterton said that one of the
advantages of faith is that it prevents one from being a child
of his time. The timeliness of Mortimer Adler’s enormous
contribution lay largely in his marching to a different
drummer than the one who set the tempo for the academic
lockstep. His dialectical skills were honed to a fine point by
his keen sense of alternatives and in the end he always cut
to the quick. Like Chesterton’s conversion, Adler’s seemed
the affirmation of a fait accompli.
May his rest in peace.
Ralph McInerny
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Now that he has died we are indeed all sadder, but also
wiser for his having lived.
Paul Harrison, South Australia
Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of The Great Ideas
========================
When Dr. Adler eulogized his colleagues, an activity he
engaged in more frequently as he outlived them, he would
try to summarize what it was that they stood for.
What Dr. Adler stood for, above all, was that human beings
are rational animals, and that philosophy provides genuine
knowledge of the way things are. These never were
fashionable views in his lifetime, and became less so; all who
love truth must be grateful to him for holding the banner
aloft.
There is no field of philosophy to which he did not make a
substantial contribution over almost eight decades. His
greatest contribution, I think, was in educational
philosophy: I believe he was the greatest philosopher of
education who ever lived, in any culture. I hope to post
more on Adler as a philosopher shortly.
He was the first contemporary philosopher whose works I
read at length, and I heard his St. John’s lectures, sitting
front row center, for four years running. I don’t really
consider myself an Adlerian - I have too many differences
with him on too many fundamental issues - but his influence
on my thinking has been so profound that I can’t even
imagine how I would go about thinking about philosophical
issues if I hadn’t encountered him.
He is with Aristotle and Aquinas now. I know they are
telling him, as the voice is said to have told Aquinas, “Thou
hast done well by us, Mortimer.”
Jay Gold, Senior Fellow
Center for the Study of The Great Ideas
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Dear Max:
A couple of things are worth asking, I think, when a great
man passes from the earth: What did he do and where did
he go? The first answer is obvious. The world will be
lessened by his absence and it is sad it will take history
books before he gets his rightful due as perhaps the single
greatest intellect, maybe of all time.
The other is less certain. I have long been keenly interested
in his struggle with faith. Born a Jew, converted to
Christianity [Episcopal] then to a praying Catholic, seeking
grace from his Creator. Yet, his God book reasoned --
correctly I believe -- that a Creator could not not exist, and he
purposely did it as a pagan. Philosophy since the beginning
of time has battled the same issue endlessly, because it is
central to one’s acceptance of the “why” of human existence.
Knowing him personally these past years and hearing his
own words as he personalized for us his private views on
this giant human enigma, I am comfortable that he is now
where he prayed to be, with a smile on his intellectual face,
finally all-knowing and pleased that his enormous
contributions benefit those left behind. I am happy for you,
Mortimer. Be well and I thank you for everything, old
friend.
Love,
Roland Caldwell
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To the family and loved ones of Mortimer J. Adler:
Doctor Adler changed my life in such a dramatic way, it is
difficult to express how much I will miss him. I promise to
carry on his commitment to clear thinking and striving to not
just live, but live well as he did.
Pete Thigpen
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We at Encyclopaedia Britannica are saddened by the passing
of Mortimer Adler. He was deeply involved with Britannica
for more than 50 years, and our debt to him is incalculable.
Nearly all of our products from the 1940s to the 1990s bore
the mark of his unique and pugnacious intelligence, and
those of us who worked with him were grateful for the
privilege. We, and America, have lost an uncompromising
champion for the life of the mind. We will miss him.
Mary Carvlin
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Dear Max,
Thank you for the opportunity to send condolences to Dr.
Adler’s family, friends and admirers. I thought the quotation
you sent, by Mark Van Doren, was quite insightful, and
true. Things revolved around Dr. Adler. He was that man of
whom Gandhi spoke who once having taken his ground is
no longer moved, but moves the entire world.
Mortimer began digging in his heels when he discovered the
truth embodied in the Great Conversation of Western
civilization, about which his great and loyal friend Bob
Hutchins wrote so much, particularly that portion by
Aristotle. By the time he discovered and absorbed St.
Thomas Aquinas, he was immovable. The world of
philosophy began to be pulled in a new direction, its orbit
began to shift. At that new center of gravity, influencing the
rest stood Mortimer J. Adler.
My own life eventually began to be swayed by Mortimer’s
pull, and the more of him I read, the greater the pull. Finally,
my work, and the work of everyone involved in promoting
Dr. Adler’s insights in the homeschooling movement
through Classical Homeschooling magazine, the Great Books
Academy and the Angelicum Academy, revolved around his
work. We are all deeply indebted to him.
Just last year Dr. Adler was awarded the 2000 A.D. Classical
Homeschooling Socratic Fellowship award - the first
recipient. The bust of Socrates finally arrived from Greece
about a month ago and was sent to Mortimer then. I trust he
had the chance to read it. But even if somehow he did not,
he is now enjoying the genuine article - fellowship with the
real Socrates, and with the God about whom he wrote so
well, and Whom he knew more clearly and approached ever
more nearly, even to the end of his long and marvelously
fruitful life. God bless the soul of Mortimer J. Adler.
Patrick Carmack, President Great Books Academy
========================
Dear Max,
“Call not a man happy until he is dead,” said Solon.
Allow me: here was a happy man.
My thoughts are with you and all Members who shared the
privilege of knowing Dr. Adler personally. If I could evoke
Mark Van Doren’s recently quoted letter and say what
doubtless goes without saying: Mortimer was “absolutely”
irreplaceable. Of course he is far from totally lost to us; this is
due in great measure to the work of the Center.
I suspect I’m not alone when I say that his passing has
caused in me an inner stirring I might not have expected so
soon after the fact: it feels an awful lot like celebration.
Why, just yesterday I had my nose in *The Difference of
Man...* and *The Problem of Species* - chasing endnotes to
their dens with a newly found vigor.
Looked at another way, you might say I feel like a slothful
schoolboy who’s been rapped on the knuckles by a
demanding yet benevolent/beloved headmaster for falling
asleep in class. The boy is at first disoriented, then quickly
wants to do right by the teacher. “Mortimer’s gone? What?
Impossible! Where are my books? What have I been doing?
What have I been thinking about?!”
I’m more excited than ever to be associated with the Center:
*the* resource for, and access to, the on-going interpretation
of his work, and I’m grateful to be awakened once again
(painful precipitating event notwithstanding) from my moral
and intellectual slumbers.
Affectionately yours,
Mark Brawner
========================
“On The Passing of a Truly Great Man”
It is with a great deal of sadness that I hear of the passing
into eternity of a great man, a distinguished thinker, and
that unique person who shall forever be known as the
“philosopher of the common man” and “everybody’s
philosopher.”
Here was a man who wrestled with the enduring problems
of philosophy and conquered the really important ones. He
thought about what a happy man had to be -- and he was
one from all appearances.
We all owe him a debt of gratitude if for nothing else but
bringing to our attention the “great conversation” that took
place across the centuries among thinkers who thought the
greatest thoughts about the greatest ideas.
The development of the “Syntopicon” and the promotion of
the Great Books of the Western World alone will attest to his
legacy and the debt we all owe this man.
What more can be said but that he lived his life according to
his convictions -- we should be so lucky. Mortimer Adler
shall surely be missed, but he made his mark, he was mentor
to many of us, and we shall never forget him.
We at The Radical Academy have been proud to host The
Mortimer J. Adler Archives and promise to continue his
work of bringing his philosophy and philosophic insight to
the attention of everyone, because, as he so often said,
“Philosophy is Everybody’s Business.” What a testament,
what an epitaph, for a man who so richly improved our
intellectual lives.
Rest in peace, Mortimer. You have done all of us
philosophers proud.
Jonathan Dolhenty
The Center for Applied Philosophy
========================
Dear Max,
It has taken me a few days to be able to express little more
than deep sorrow over the passing of Mortimer Adler. It is
such a tremendous loss, even though we were graced with
nearly a century of Dr. Adler and his work. And even
though he has left us a vast intellectual legacy.
Please accept my family’s condolences, Max. For many of us,
Mortimer Adler was an intellectual, literary friend, someone
who helped us think well about the great ideas and read
carefully the great books. But for you, I am sure, he was
much more. He was a close personal friend and mentor. No
doubt you will greatly miss him.
Please know that the Brumley family’s prayers are with
Mortimer Adler, his family and his friends such as yourself.
May Dr. Adler’s work and that of the Center for the Study
of the Great Ideas continue to prosper in the years to come.
Mark Brumley
========================
Dear Max,
You must be feeling the Maestro’s absence the most, as you
are his philosophical son, my good wishes to you for
spreading his knowledge.
In friendship,
Swami Gurupremananda
========================
Dear Max,
Thank you for the announcement. Please pass my
condolences to his family.
Ken Wareham
========================
Dear Max,
“An epoch is marked by the passing of Mortimer Adler. He
succeeded both in realizing the “Summa Dialectica” that was
always his ideal, and in articulating a philosophy that is
accessible to anyone who cares to live an intelligently
directed life. His personal presence will be missed. His
thought and speech is secured in his written works and
recorded on audio-video media, but his influence extends
into the lives of millions who have never even heard his
name.”
Alan Iliff, Senior Fellow
Center for the Study of The Great Ideas
========================
Max,
My prayers are with the Adler family and his colleagues and
friends.
I am glad Mortimer is with God. That is truly is a happy
thought, though we are sadder with him gone.
While we don’t have him here anymore and we are poorer
for that, we have his work -- his brilliance and his
unrelenting, unique pursuit for the truth -- which we will
always have. Nothing can take that from us.
Sadness and mourning are appropriate for now. But I look
forward to soon getting his perspective back out there again,
very, very soon.
John Boleyn
========================
Dear Max,
He was one of the 20th century’s handful of real
philosophers.
We will miss him.
Peter Redpath
========================
Dear Max,
I’m a sorry to hear that Mortimer J. Adler has passed away.
Although, I’m happy he was able to live a such long,
productive intellectual-life, a longer, more fuller life than
most people achieve; it is still a great loss, not only to his
family but to our civilization as a whole when such a person
leaves the World’s Stage.
In my opinion, last week, he was probably the wisest, best
well-read thinker living on the planet Earth. He developed
his mind intellectually to the fullest possible extent in the
time allotted him. He had a more penetrating and profound
understanding of many of the Great Ideas that shape and
dominate our lives and civilization everyday than most other
human beings alive today.
All of his very deep knowledge, understanding, and
wisdom which he acquired throughout his life has left the
World with him; except for a portion of his wisdom that he
was able to permanently record in the written word in his
life-time for the enlightenment of future generations.
I hope that future historians in the coming centuries will
identify him as one of the great intellectuals of the 20th
century and the one who did the most to organize, preserve,
and pass on the accumulated philosophical wisdom of the
past to succeeding generations; whereby the human spirit of
civilization was again re-energized to continue the
exploration of the Great Ideas, in an attempt to expand and
deepen our understanding of them, that began so long ago
in the distant past.
The fruit of his labor will be greatly appreciated for
generations to come, and will hopefully promote the
improvement of the spiritual and moral well-being of the
human race into the distant future.
He will be greatly missed. Hopefully, there will continue to
be others to follow in his footsteps.
Sincerely,
Ivan Bilich
========================
Max:
I knew it would happen some day, but even so the news of
his passing makes me very sad. I hope his writings will help
others as much as they have me.
Sincerely,
Alan MacFarlane
========================
Oh Max, I am so sorry that Dr. Adler has died. He has left
us. You more than I will feel the loss - and I do feel the loss.
I am so thankful that you brought me to know him.
Maria O’Ryan
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Dear Mr. Weismann,
I checked my e-mailbox today and received the sad message
of June 28. Words cannot express my deep sorrow at the
passing away of Dr. Mortimer Adler, from whom I have
learned so much about how to live a good and meaningful
life. His life has been a truly glorious one and his death
marks the finish of a truly great intellectual career.
I regret that I have not had the chance to shake Dr. Adler’s
hand and say “Thank you” to him. His words of wisdom
and his vivid image, however, will live on in my heart. The
greatest philosopher of the twentieth century will forever be
remembered.
Please send my condolences to Dr. Adler’s family.
Wing-Chiu Ng
========================
Dear Max:
At the age of 45 in 1983, after public schooling, two
University degrees (Business and Law) and special R.C.M.
Police training, it was crushing to learn that I was not very
well educated. But thanks to Mortimer Adler this crushing
was only a way of facing reality. With Mortimer's help, he
led me out of the cave to see in all its glory, real education.
But it did not stop there. He led me into the realm of God.
By that I do not necessarily mean religion. He led me to the
world of ideas, the world of the intellect and conceptual
thought. In this non-temporal world he showed me that
understanding is greater and higher than information or
knowlwdge.
To Mortimer I owe my true inner existence and without him
I would only “tremble on the edge of nothingness.” With
other Adler friends, I feel fortunate to have had the
opportunity to share seminar discussions of his books in his
later years. Through Mortimer I am closer to the Totum
bonum, because he is the Summum bonum of all teachers.
The passing of his individuality from this physical cosmos at
the age of 98 is still too soon.
Frank Rodgers
Saint John, New Brunswick
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Dear Max,
I am so saddened for your loss of your friend and mentor. It
is very big issues that cross your path.
Sasha Cornett
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Max,
We were so sorry to hear about Dr. Adler. We will all miss
him greatly; though I’m confident that he is even now
receiving his great rewards and hearing “Well done, good
and faithful servant!”
Sincerely,
Brenda and Max Alt
========================
Sorry to hear of Mortimer’s death. He lived a long
productive life and hopefully a happy one. The thought that
his life long endeavors will continue to be passed on
through the Center undoubtedly was on his mind before
passing away. I’ll bet he has a smile on his face.
Lucie Boyadjian
========================
Max,
I am so very sorry. I had fancied Dr. Adler as a sort of wise
grandfather these last few years and will mourn him as such.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Sarah Barrett, Ajax, Canada
========================
Dear Max and the Adler Family:
This is very sad news indeed. Please accept my deepest
sympathy and sorrow in the passing of this great man. He
was a teacher and philosopher to the world. We were lucky
to have him at all, and truly blessed to have him for so long.
Long will the world remember him and forever will we
benefit from his prolific works.
Mike Murphy, Ottawa
========================
Dear Max,
With much sadness I receive this news, I feel that Mortimer
was a good friend always there to guide me through his
books. Even though I never met him personally, I felt him
very close to me as an intellectual mentor. I am sure his
memory will guide us for the years to come with all his
vigour and inspiration. Please receive my condolences and
extend them to his family members.
Best regards,
Gonzalo Rodriguez, Venezuela
========================
Dear Max,
I want to offer my condolences to you, because I know he
was your very good friend. I never had a chance to meet
him, but I respect immensely all the work Mr. Adler’s done.
It’s remarkable how much of the world I travel in and the
people I know have been shaped in some way by his work--
at the Basic Program, the Foundation, St. John’s, Paideia,
Encyclopedia Britannica. It’s a remarkable legacy.
Sincerely,
Mark Cwik, Great Books Foundation
========================
Max,
Thanks for calling back. Please include me in any
information you distribute about arrangements for Mr.
Adler’s memorial service and such. As you know, many
people here at Britannica knew him and will be saddened by
the news of his death. Thank you very much.
Cordially,
Tom Panelas
========================
June 28th, 2001 -- The Day Philosophy Died
What a wonderful description!!
Irene Crowe, Crowe Foundation
========================
Dear Max,
We have lost an irreplaceable giant. You have lost a very
dear friend and colleague and I extend my sympathies to
you. I would hope that the epitaph, “The Day Philosophy
Died,” is wrong. That could only happen if his many
“disciples” allow it. I believe he worked too hard and for too
long to share his vision for us to allow that vision to die with
him. Toward that end, I would like to make a memorial
contribution of $100.00 to the Center in his name. Again,
knowing your relationship with Dr. Adler, my prayers and
sympathies are with you and all those close to him.
A sincere friend,
Dan Krudop
========================
And now Socrates has met a new friend.
My condolences,
Eric Stiegman-farmer, Illinois
========================
Dear Max,
Please accept my profound condolences on the loss of your
friend and mentor, Dr. Mortimer Adler.
Dr. Adler’s gift was his ability to reach people through his
writing, to challenge their thinking, and to plant the seeds
of change. His most important lesson to me was teaching me
to critically evaluate the priorities of my life and---by
engaging in a dialogue with the sages of the past---to fashion
a life that was more fulfilled and, yes, happy. Dr. Adler took
upon himself the role of Everyman and showed that it is
possible to accomplish this goal straightforwardly, not by
revolutions, but by emphasizing and putting into practice
those ideas that we already know to be essential to our wellbeing.
May his memory always be for blessing.
Regards,
Hillel Lofaso
========================
Dear Family of Mortimer Adler and Max Weismann,
I am very sad at the passing of Dr. Adler. He was a very fine
man and did inexpressible good for the people of the world.
His legacy of education and moral living will endure the
ages, as excellence always does. I know that still, every day,
I will learn more from him, and from his students, about
how to live and to think.
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Jeffrey S. Burg, Esq.
========================
He was a truly great philosopher and I will miss him.
Kathryn Ludrick
========================
“MJA-A Personal Thanks”
In the early eighties, a good friend, told me I absolutely had
to read How to Read a Book. From there I went to one of the
old editions of the ten-year reading plan (which I’ve started
countless times).
While Mortimer Adler bears no responsibility for the halfbaked
autodidact I’ve become, he deserves the credit for
making me believe I should learn more, and that I would
benefit from trying. He was right.
Fifty years from now some other young sailor, also perhaps
based on a casual conversation over a glass of whiskey,
might start the same process and it will still be Mortimer
Alder’s classroom that he attends first. It will still be open for
business and the texts will still be as fresh as they were a
hundred years ago, or a thousand. I wonder, as often as he
discussed learning from dead teachers in How to Read a
Book, how Dr. Adler felt about his own tenure on that
worthy faculty.
I expect he will be one of the better ones.
Agim Zabeli
========================
And now I see I must extend my condolences. I hope he’s
having a great conversation with Thomas Aquinas.
Terry Berres
========================
Max and all,
Has not the world lost its last and best philosopher? Let us
awake and sing his praises. No one will begin to touch him
until our Lord Jesus returns with His wisdom.
Myrna Moe
========================
My sympathy to you personally and to the Center on the
loss of a great person.
Carol Robertson
========================
“Down To Earth”
Trying to understand the Great Books is overwhelming --
really difficult -- yet over the years, a liberating voice has
consistently reminded me to turn to Adler for help, in that
he brought many of those folks down to Earth and helped
shed light on what otherwise would have remained obscure,
at least to me.
One is tempted to envy the great conversation Mr. Adler is
currently caught up in -- no doubt with one of his heroes.
Sincerely,
Bob Sale
========================
Dear Max,
I send my deepest condolences. I am weeping for his loss.
Courage!
Marji Meyer, School of Abraham
========================
Dear Max,
I extend my deepest condolences to you and to his family.
What a great loss to mankind.
Susan Gelb
========================
Dear Max,
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your friend.
Sincerely,
John Hasbrouck
========================
Max--
I feel really bad about Mr. Adler’s death and yet inspired
that he lived so long and was so productive in thought and
writing all the way to the end. I’m also inspired to try to
keep up the good fight. Thank you and my sincere
condolences to you as a great friend.
Dave Stickrod
========================
Dear Max:
I hadn’t heard of Dr. Adler’s death until I rec’d your email.
He was a major influence in my life and education. As per
the definition of “happiness” that he taught us, that
condition to be evaluated only at the end of a man’s life, we
can now say that he did enjoy such state; he had a good life.
Wayne Becker
========================
Max, my thoughts are with you:
Dr. Adler’s many works had the most lasting and
inspirational effect, of any books that I ever read, on my
pursuit of learning and thinking about what constitutes
knowledge. My interest in reading, talking about, and
collecting thousands of good and great works arose largely
from digesting How to Read a Book (1940, 1972). Surely even
Aristotle would have said of Dr. Mortimer Jerome Adler that
he, in the context of the entirety of his life, had been a truly
good man, a great man, and had led an honorable and
productive life. His influence shall be felt for generations
and beyond. Rather than Philosophy having died on June
28, 2001, perhaps, it will just pause for a profound moment
of silence and gratitude, and once again rise and thrive in
Dr. Adler’s extensive audience. We will not be attempting to
live in the past; the past will be alive in us.
Pausing for that moment of gratitude,
J. Donald Allen
========================
Dear Max:
When I received your letter concerning the passing of Dr.
Adler, my heart ached and I found myself shedding tears for
a man I never met-but had always hoped to meet. Very few
men have affected my life like Mortimer Adler through his
writings and through the Center. Outside of the Bible there
is no one I quoted as much as Mortimer Adler. I will look at
the picture of him that hangs over my desk differently now.
Hopefully June 28th will not be the day philosophy died
because of all the seeds he planted and will continue to
plant through the books and friends that survive him and
through the Center.
My heart goes out to you especially. I know you probably
feel the loss more than many others due to the special
friendship you sustained with him.
Steven Lloyd
========================
This is so sad.
Though I never was privileged to meet him, I loved the
person, Mortimer Adler. Because he loved us all. He gave us
truth, clearly stated, and that is the rarest of gifts. I don’t
know what we’ll do without him. If it were possible, I’d
like him to have lived and taught us many more years. But
I’m most thankful for what he has given us.
Terrence O’Neill
========================
For me, Mr. Adler is the man who had the idea of the
GBWW, the Great Conversation, and the Syntopicon. Some
people climb mountains because they are there. I am reading
the GBWW because they are there. Mr. Adler built the
Everest I choose to climb, without him, it would not exist.
While I personally never met the man, my life is enriched by
him simply because he provided me with a mountain to
climb.
Stephen Huff
========================
Max, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing
of your friend. Mine is one of the countless young minds he
helped broaden and sharpen. We all owe him deep respect
and gratitude. Although I am near-destitute at the moment,
I would like to pledge a contribution in his memory to the
Center, which I will submit per your instructions as soon as I
am able.
Stephen McClure
========================
My Tribute: MJA
In recent years I’ve derived much delight, motivation, and
understanding from this great man; through the magic of the
written word I will continue to.
Thank-you Mortimer!
Jack Walsh
========================
Dear Adler Family,
Please accept our condolences on the occasion of your loss.
A great man has become, by grace, even greater. May God
comfort you and your good family in every way.
God’s grace to you,
Sheila, Bill, Sean, and Clare Hansen
========================
Oh Max, I knew this fated day would come but I had
hoped not too soon. I know I haven’t been around much
lately but I read and save all the files you send.
What can I say about Dr. Adler that has not already been
said?
To me he was the paradigm of intelligent thought, a rare
man, and irreplaceable. I read his books and am reading
several of them at this time. I enjoy the rhythm of his
writing, the lucidity of his thought, and most importantly
his ideas. I wouldn’t like to speculate where I would be
without him to guide and protect me from the cruel world of
incoherent thought. He is my guide and it is unlikely that
anyone can replace him in that respect. Whenever I have an
idea or engage in a dispute I always wonder what would Dr.
Adler say? May Providence be kind enough to send us just
one person half his stature so they we may not be the lame,
blind, pitiful persons intellectually that we are without him.
I know some of what your relationship was with him via our
long distant phone conversations.
Best of success and with deepest profound sympathy,
Ken Beacon
========================
Max,
I was sorry to learn of Mortimer’s death. I know what he
meant to you and I know that you will miss him dearly. The
following is the e-mail that I sent to my friends regarding
Mortimer. I wanted to share them with you. Thank you for
all that you have done over the years. You have contributed
to my education and I appreciate it.
As you all know, Mortimer Alder had a profound influence
on my intellectual life. I discovered him by happenstance.
While walking through a empty dormitory at Marquette
University, I picked up a small paper back book entitled
Great Ideas from the Great Books. It was a collection of
letters to Mortimer. The letters raised important questions
that I found rarely discussed in college, eg. What is justice?
What is truth? What is equality and liberty? What is a liberal
arts education? and so on. To each question, Mortimer had
written a succinct response which summarized western
thought on the issues. Regardless whether one agreed with
his response or whether one considered it too superficial, I
always found his responses made me think more clearly
about the issue.
After law school, when I returned to Conyers, I purchased
and read actively his classic How to Read a Book. I read it so
much that the binder tore apart. In fact, this morning I
consulted it for its list of great books. Later one day by
happenstance while waiting at home, I heard someone
talking on the public radio about education--what was
wrong and what needed to be done. I was so impressed
with his comments that I recorded the remainder of his
remarks without even knowing who I was recording. I still
have that tape in my library. I soon learned it was Mortimer.
Consequently I read with great interest and benefit The
Paideia Proposal and The Paideia Problems and Possibilities.
I also began reading his other works--Six Great Ideas, How
to Speak/How to Listen, A Guideline to Learning, A Vision
of the Future, his books on God, religion, philosophy,
morality etc. By doing so I learned about the Aspen
Institute. In 1988 for my 40th birthday gift to myself, I went
to the two week session of the Executive Seminar at the
Aspen Institute. I participated in a seminar with Mortimer
on education. As a result of that experience, my wife and I
became certified in leading Junior Great Books Discussions.
For about two years, we conducted great books discussions
with our three daughters. Some of my fondest memories of
my children were their questions and comments during
those family discussions. In 1991, I returned to the Aspen
Institute for the two week session on Justice and Society.
The session was moderated by Harry Blackmun. It launched
a self study of jurisprudence which gave me far greater
insight into law and justice than any other course that I had
taken, including the Harvard University Law School class on
jurisprudence. Last night in a letter to a friend, I quoted the
phrase, “don’t allow our possessions to possess us” which I
first read when preparing for the Aspen Institute in 1988.
Several years ago I joined the Center for Great Ideas which,
under the able leadership of Max Weismann, continues to
address the same issues that Mortimer addressed all of his
adult life. Over a year ago I along with Leon Leonard started
an adult great books discussion group. We have a mascot of
a monkey reading a book and wearing glasses. He always
sits in the middle of the table while we discuss the reading.
We fondly call him “Mortimer” in part to honor Mortimer
and in part to remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.
The discussions and readings have been titillating, but even
more important the participants have become jewels in my
collection of friends. Two weeks ago in my toast at my
daughters wedding, I referenced Mortimer Adler. Thus, as
you can see, Mortimer Adler has profoundly effected my life.
The attached picture of Mortimer is quite moving. I have
some similar pictures of him ambling around the Aspen
Institute when I was there. But I must disagree respectfully
with the title The Day Philosophy Died For you see,
Mortimer gave me the gift of philosophy and his gift still
lives in me and the thousands (dare I say millions) of others
to whom he gave the gift of philosophy. Yes, the
philosopher died as we all must die. But his philosophy will
live on as long as we read and reflect and meet and discuss
the great ideas of the western world. Although I am
saddened by his death, I am more resolved than ever to carry
on his belief that “philosophy is everybody’s business”. It is
my business and it is yours. Please join me in this life long
endeavor.
Best wishes.
Forrest Jack Lance, Esq.
========================
Dear Max,
Mortimer J. Adler was a mentor and a dear friend. I was very
privileged to have spent many hours (with my late husband,
Al) at the Roundtable either in Aspen or on Wye Island over
the course of 12 years. Mortimer cared and wanted his
students to learn; he WAS a teacher. Hopefully, his students
will carry on the tradition.
Mortimer taught me the value of education, and I ran for our
school board and won! I am now president, and plan to run
again. I am also attending a Princeton led seminar on
“Religion and the Arts” at Tanglewood Music Festival, and
the theme deals with “taste.” Remember, Mortimer discussed
“taste!” We will, over time, use those valuable moments in
discussion, and when we remember Mortimer’s “NO, NO,
NO” we will also remember lessons about truth, justice,
equality, God, and love.
Mortimer may no longer be with us, but his spirit is present
in videos, and his books and in our lives. What a treasure,
but most of all, we who knew him will spread the word. He
HAS touched our souls.
I send my love to his wonderful sons. I also send my love to
all the dear friends who, like myself, are grieving for a great
man.
Barbara Hathcock
========================
“Thank you Dr. Adler !!!”
Responding to “June 28, 2001 -- The Day Philosophy Died”
As I poured myself a cup of coffee this morning, I saw the
words “Great Books” through the blue plastic which covered
my Chicago Tribune. Great Books on the front page of the
Tribune--why? I immediately opened up the paper and was
saddened to hear Mortimer Jerome Adler had died.
I then thought about how much he has influenced me
through his life’s work. Almost every week I refer to at least
one of these: Syntopicon, Propeadia, or How to Read a
Book. Almost every week for fifteen years I have been
involved in one of the following programs: Aspen Institute,
Great Books Foundation, Center for the Study of Great
Ideas, or Basic Program of Liberal Education.
I have been greatly influenced by him; I am a better person
because of him; and I will continue growing because of the
availability of his life’s work. I am most appreciative.
The Chicago Tribune provided a small biography of
Mortimer Adler. I was surprised to find out he had been
married to two different women for over 30 years each. Not
many men have done that--even once. But then again, few
men have accomplished as much as Mortimer Adler.
Kevin S. Borgard
========================
Max,
I am so sorry. . .
Seth Guggenheim
========================
Max:
My heartfelt condolences to you upon the death of your
longtime friend and colleague. We will surely miss him and
his wisdom.
Sincerely,
Hans VanderKnyff
========================
Hi Max,
I am so sad to hear about Dr. Adler’s death. He introduced
me to the Great Books, and he died just at the time I was
reading the Phaedo. Coincidental yet appropriate.
The Center will continue with you as the Philosopher in
residence now. The best way to honor Dr. Adler now is to
keep reading and thinking!
Stuart Smith
========================
Dear Max,
I’ve just received your email. I know that Mr. Adler would
appreciate the fact that my second response was to pray for
him. The first was that the world is very much smaller. His
intellectual breadth and clarity, and his commitment to
teaching, were unique. It’s a consolation that the Center
exists, but there is no other, despite his great age. We need
him more than ever. I know that you know how dear to me
he was.
Susan Moore, Australia
========================
May I express my sorrow over the passing of Mortimer
Adler. He planted the seeds of inquiry about justice, liberty,
and freedom which will ensure the continuation of our
American society.
Carol Kleber
========================
Max
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the death of your
mentor and friend. This is the end of an era, but I know the
world is a better place because Adler was here and that you
are enriched by your association with him.
Kay Davis
========================
Dear Max
The hardest part of life is losing a good and dear friend. I
cannot know the feeling in your heart with this loss. All I
can say is that I know the feeling and understand the pain
at loss of a close companion. Please accept my deepest
condolences and convey them to Dr. Alder’s family. The
world has lost a great man, but all of us who have read and
listened to this great man, now carry him with us in our
hearts forever.
Sincerely
Bob Snow
PS: Max I am but a simple man who has struggled along the
path of life. Dr. Adler’s books and thoughts have
illuminated that once darkened path. He has lifted my mind,
my heart and my spirit along my journey. Dr. Adler is truly
the Father of Philosophy for the common man.
========================
Max,
I have long wished that I could remember the name of the
teacher who, nearly forty years ago, put a ditto copy of a
chapter from “How To Read A Book” into my hands,
changing the trajectory of my life forever, and that of my
children, and now my grandchildren. I owe to Mortimer
Adler the love of truth, rigor, philosophy, and literature that
have defined “me” throughout my adulthood. Outside my
parents, no one has so profoundly shaped the course of my
thought and action; frankly, no one has come close. I feel
his influence in my life daily.
Greg Givan
========================
Max,
Dr. Mortimer Adler’s passing away is indeed a great loss.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Victor Abello
========================
Max:
I wondered yesterday when I saw the message about Dr.
Adler but did not have any information about him. Today
there was a lengthy article about him in the Washington
Post which confirmed my suppositions. I am truly sorry
about his passing, but am deeply convinced that his
“Philosophy Is Everybody’s Business” has now been
extended to another world past our planet and he is
communicating this news with his usual candor and skill. I
have such high regard for him just from reading his works so
far -- certainly expect to continue reading the rest -- and from
my one graduate student experience of listening to him at
the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D. C. when he spoke
so glowingly about the advent of The Great Books series. I
shall never forget how impressed I was -- and still am with
his vision and his accomplishments. Congratulations to you
too for extending his vision and influence.
Teddy Handfield
========================
On the fundamental matters of God and immortality, I am at
loggerheads with Mortimer J. Adler. But as concerns
philosophical method and the goals of education, I am his
ardent admirer.
Very early in his career, after coming across Aquinas' Summa
Theologica, Adler became enamored by the dialectical
method of examing all contending positions. In fact his first
book Dialectics was on this topic, in which he projected a
great Summa Dialectica of philosophy. In his long life, he
managed to execute a great deal of this Summa in his
Syntopicon, the Idea of Freedom, and in The Difference of
Man and the Difference It Makes, as well as in other works.
There were only a few outstanding dialectical philosophers
in the world, and he was one of them.
Andrew Chrucky, Senior Fellow
Center fo the Study of The Great Ideas
========================
Max,
When expecting and wanting someone to live forever, it’s a
shock when he doesn’t. However, perhaps your heading,
“The Day Philosophy Died,” is, because of Dr. Adler’s work,
not going to be true. It is certainly emptier without him, but
he left lots of ways to keep him in mind and to continue to
learn from him, and I intend to.
Best regards,
Janet Miller
========================
Max,
Our sincere condolences to you.
The Day Philosophy Died was simple and eloquent.
Mortimer taught us all that philosophy is everybody’s
business -- and he taught us exceedingly well. He was an
outstanding teacher who left us a wealth of great books,
indexes and the Center to teach us. In my mind, you are the
living legacy of Adler’s efforts -- and a most excellent teacher.
I am eager to continue to learn from you, as I discover what
I ought to seek in life and how I should seek it. Mortimer
must be proud that you have so many serious students and
that the Center is truly the resource for interpreting his
work.
If I can be of any assistance I am an e-mail away.
And now, we trust Mortimer Jerome Adler enjoys the
beatific vision.
John and Wendy Segvich
========================
Dear Mr. Weismann:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the career of
Dr. Adler.
Mortimer Adler, together with his antagonist John Dewey,
was one of the two or three most influential teachers of the
twentieth century. He came to occupy the tenured chair of
national teacher laureate, or spokesman for philosophy to
the American people, and as such he had a very good effect
on education and changed many lives for the better. There
are droves of modernists and deconstructionists who aspire
to occupy his now-empty chair, and we are very fortunate
that they have so far not been able to fill it.
He made three generations of Americans believe that
philosophy is benevolent, democratic, pious, and concerned
with promoting good citizenship. That is why my parents in
the 1950’s bought a set of “his” Great Books and stored them
in a prominent place in the living room of the house where I
spent my childhood, and those books changed my life, and I
am deeply grateful to him for that.
Yours sadly,
Robert L. Stone
========================
Dear Max,
Your sad news of the death of Dr. Mortimer J. Adler was
heartrending at best. At first one is tongue-tied. The
thoughts from Mark Van Doren were uniquely apposite.
Truly, Dr. Adler is irreplaceable in his physical being but
never in his intellectual insight and vast creation of books
and other beacons of enlightenment, which will truly remain
as a light for the nations and all questing souls like him. His
Great Books and the Syntopicon are irreplaceable
contributions to the humanities. The Center for the Study of
Great Ideas has provided continuing enlightenment to all
his devoted followers and, I sincerely hope, will continue.
As I have mentioned to you previously, I first saw Dr. Adler
in 1939 when I attended a Wisconsin Teachers Association
convention in Milwaukee at what is now called MATC,
addressing the group on the importance of teaching and
learning how to read a book as illuminated bestseller of the
same title. I chose to cover that event for my Journalism
reporting class and have never forgotten his challenging
discussion. So dynamic was he that the discomfited audience
was continually murmuring in disagreement. At times, I
feared there would be a mass walkout by the group. How
exhilarating then and now!
I immediately prayed for his peace and eternal happiness.
Such, so to speak, were his precious gifts to us and now is
his.
With my heartfelt condolences,
Don Thielke
========================
Max,
My sincere condolences. I am sure you were very close to
MJA and will miss him greatly.
Cordially,
Lyle Sykora
========================
Mortimer Adler dominated philosophy in the twentieth
century. I am fortunate to have known him and his work,
even as little as I have. We will all miss him greatly.
Richard Case
========================
Dear Max,
Mr. Adler and The Great Books have been my sole source of
education since my mid-twenties. I’m no star pupil - but he
has helped me take ‘the road less traveled’ and the journey
has been wonderful. I am sure his spirit will continue to
guide us all.
Graeme Connors, Australia
========================
It is with a sense of personal loss that we hear of the mortal
death of Dr. Adler. A serious loss to the world of clear
thinking and responsible living. His works will live well
beyond his enormous life span.
He was a good man. He was a good and happy man. To
those of us who read him and followed him, that is an
achievement we all strive for. This goal is one he advocated
as an ultimate earthly goal.
He will be remembered as a renowned philosopher, as well
he should, but he was also a theologian of the first order.
His faith in God ultimately led him to hold beliefs where he
felt most comfortable and compatible.
While we all feel a personal loss, there is need to rejoice that
he is now in a place where he felt the ultimate Good resides.
He is visiting his old friends; Aristotle, Plato, Augustine and
Aquinas. Which now is the master and which the student?
Most of us never met Dr. Adler, yet we all can say we loved
him. This thing, love, is a mighty thing. It is boundless and
must come from somewhere way above us all.
So, sweep up the deserts and suck up the seas. Pack up the
land and throw away the rocks. Box up the moon and store
the sun. Hold them in place for one who might come along
like him. It won’t be in our lifetime. The world has lost a
good and decent man and heaven’s gain is our loss.
Goodbye old friend, and yet, hello.
Requiescat in pacem.
Bob Heller
========================
Dear Max,
With much sadness did I read your e-mail message about the
Day Philosophy Died.
By reading the subject title in my inbox, I already he felt
that Dr. Mortimer Jerome Adler have passed on. I already
missed him, especially after I saw the attached picture of him
leaving with his laptop and cane. I first knew about Dr.
Adler in 1968 when I purchased the Great Books.
Please, convey my condolence to his family.
Charles Albert
========================
Dear Max Weismann,
Please accept my sympathies for the death of your colleague
and friend.
Adler’s gifts were many: an exciting, dynamic and deeply
convinced lecturer whose logic was irrefutable, a clarifying
expositor of text, whether to the practicing philosopher or
the common man, an innovative educator whose principles
nevertheless held loyally to a tradition. Yet I believe that his
greatest gift to us and his greatest achievement was the
Syntopicon, a dialectical analysis of the greatest ideas of the
greatest minds. Aristotle wrote the theoretical rules of
dialectic, but he practiced it little in his writings. Plato
practiced a peculiar type of dialectic in which a teaching
rhetoric played a large part. Adler may have been the only
pure dialectician par excellence in our intellectual history.
The Syntopicon has yet to be explored, understood and
sequenced. That would be Adler’s heritage. To implement it
could be the beginning of a philosophy more universal and
communicable than mankind has yet achieved.
My best wishes for the continuation of your important
work.
Journet Kahn
========================
Max,
I’m working at the moment in Australia, and just heard of
Mortimer Adler’s death. Some people have influence. Adler
was more. To generations of seekers like me he was a
homing beam. For decades he provoked my ascendance to a
higher, more thoughtful way of thinking. Now, I hope my
prayers will help, in some small way, lift him.
Respectfully,
George W. Dudley, Behavioral Sciences Research Press
========================
Max,
I feel that I have lost more than a family member and that I
am inadequate to express condolence.
Since your announcement, I’ve not been able to pass one
waking hour without thinking about the man whose
writings have provided me so much assurance for the past
thirty years now. I cannot imagine anyone feeling anything
but love for such a man. These are the same feelings one
cannot avoid for the spirit literally bursting from the writings
of men like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Maimonides, and
many others.
I am sure that it is more than that for you as well as for all
the members of Dr. Adler’s family.
Ron Frerking
========================
Dear Max.
And don’t we all appreciate the presence that is and was
Mortimer Adler. I read it this a.m. in the L.A. Times, an
extensive obit which I will send you. Then my 88 year old
uncle called me, and we waxed philosophical for some time
(he didn’t think the obit did Mortimer justice) and we
ended by me telling him the true story of the chauffeur
switch. And Uncle Henry said to me “Daphne, some people
are just jealous when they don’t understand, or can’t convey
their thoughts”
Tho it was inevitable, it still a sad day. The universe has lost
a philosopher king, no matter the appellations. My heart is
with you and the others in this sad time.
Daphne Throne
========================
Dear Max,
I just wanted to let you know that he in fact was a great
man but his work will live on through you and many others.
Lee Circone
========================
Dear Max:
I learned the news from your e-mail--and checked it on the
internet (Washington Post has a fine obituary today).Up to
his 98th year and active and brilliant to the end. As my
parents used to say: “oif mir gesugt.”
Here’s a small thought. If you post real audio on your site I
could dig up some tapes of Mortimer’s appearances on
Extension 720 for you to make available on site. Meanwhile
Mortimer discoursing on God (an excerpt of just five
minutes or so) is available on our site:
www.wgnradio.com/shows/ex720/index.html.
With best wishes,
Milt Rosenberg
========================
Max and everyone at the Center,
I am deeply grateful to have been exposed to the life and
work of Dr. Adler and learned, with mixed emotions, off his
passing away.
We thank you for the impact you’ve had on his life during
these last days and for the impact you allowed him to have
on yours.
Dr. Adler dwells no longer among us, yet he lives among us
in ways only readers of his work can understand and
appreciate.
Theophilus van Rensburg Lindzter, Stockholm
========================
Goodbye, Dr. Adler. You done good.
Bob d’Aigle
========================
Dear Max,
I am writing to express my condolences over the loss of your
friend, Mortimer Adler. Life will not seem quite the same
without him. You and he are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard Nadolny
========================
He may be gone but nothing has died. The work lives on to
infinity, adding inspiration and wholesome thoughts to the
lives of those who care about advancing our humanity!
Angela M. Massiah
========================
Max,
Although I never met Mortimer Adler in person, he has
taught me more than any other teacher. From his books I’ve
learned about metaphysics, ethics, politics, psychology and
theology. I started reading his books when I was in high
school. The example he set of devotion to the intellectual life
inspired me to earn my PhD in mathematics. His spiritual
journey which ultimately led him to the Catholic Church,
has in part moved me to begin the conversion process to
Catholicism from the Episcopal church. I would be much
less if not for him.
Michael S. Casey
========================
Dear Max Weismann, Friends, and Fellow Members:
It is with regret that I learned of the passing away of this
great man who was Mortimer Adler. Great and yet simple as
a pioneer in the introduction of the great conversation that
characterizes the intellectual life of the west.
Luiz Felipe Penna, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
========================
Even though I never met Dr. Adler, I feel as though I know
him through his writings and have come to regard him as a
valued friend. He has made this world a better place and he
will be sorely missed by me and the millions of others that
he has touched.
Jim Reardon
========================
I am bitter that Dr. Adler did not receive the recognition he
deserved. His book WHAT MAN HAS MADE OF MAN is
the greatest book of the 20th century. The American
Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological
Association, and the American Psychoanalytical Association
did not give him any awards. It is impossible to understand
psychiatry, psychology, and psychoanalysis without Dr.
Adler.
David Herman
========================
Dear Max,
Mortimer Adler greatly influenced my life by helping me in
my effort to become more liberally educated in later life.
These days I feel an emptiness in my heart as I mourn his
passing. He was truly a great man and more than most
continuously examined his life. I hope that his ideas
continue to guide humankind.
Sincerely,
Tony Gasbarro
========================
Dear Max,
Our discussion group wishes to express our sorrow at the
passing of Mortimer Adler. But at the same time, we
celebrated his life last Saturday. We have started a Great
Ideas discussion group, in parallel with Great Books
discussion series. He gave us so much. We are taking his
contribution of the Syntopicon and expanding our reach to
the full 102 Great Ideas. What a journey!
Please express our condolences to his family.
Edward White, Leader
========================
During this time of great sorrow we learn how much people
can really mean to us. There is no expression of sympathy
that can ever be the expression of sympathy for a man who
will always be treasured. My most deepest respects for a
“Philosopher-King”.
Leamond Anthony Allen
========================
Dear Max,
Certainly, I add my name to the long list of persons deeply
saddened by Mortimer Adler’s passing. Although I was
never able to meet him in person, his books, essays and
spoken words have had a profound impact on me for over
thirty years. He challenged us to accept no conventional
wisdoms that could not stand objective analysis, and he
leaves behind a treasury of insights that future generations
will continue to discover long after most of us have been
forgotten. One of my great regrets is that I was never able to
participate in one of great ideas discussions with Dr. Adler
guiding and nurturing the exchange. The work and the
need for the work to which he devoted so much of himself
continues.
Ed Dodson
========================
Dear Max,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your good friend
and mentor. For the past two months every time I received
an e-mail from you I thought it might be a note that Dr.
Adler had died, but even with that “preparation” it was a
difficult moment for me when that word did come. How
much more for you, for his family, and for the many others
who were a part of his everyday life!
Mortimer Adler has been an important part of who I am and
how I think for 20 years, and because of my own teaching
and position in business, he has also impacted the lives of
many others through me. I know that I am only one of
many who can make such a statement, and I am comforted
by the knowledge that Mortimer did so much good for so
many people that the effects of his work will be felt far
longer and in more ways than I can even imagine.
I’m also comforted to know that this life, as fruitful as it was
for our teacher, was only a beginning for him. As I wrote in
a song a few years ago, “Life isn’t over for a Christian gone
home -- just this part of life has now ceased.” His teachings
and his legacy will live on here, and his spirit will live on
with the God he not only thought about but also loved.
May God’s peace be with you and with all who held
Mortimer dear.
Lewis Greer
========================
Max,
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of such a great
thinker, teacher, and philosopher. He will live on in the
words he has put into print and onto audio and video tape
and as such will be a continual inspiration for generations.
May his soul rest in peace.
Tom Carstens
========================
Mortimer Adler has enriched us all. His ideas and lessons
live on. We all owe him an enormous debt. We will repay it
by keeping alive his memory.
Stanley Goldstein, Chairman
Westchester Great Books Council
========================
Besides myself, Mortimer Adler was the only philosopher I
knew who believed in God. And, he could explain it in
such a way that faith did not seem ridiculous.
Tom Johnson
========================
Dr. Adler’s work changed my life. I’m eternally indebted.
I offer my regards and condolences to all who knew him.
Carl Noe
========================
Just received the sad news. Dr. Adler was a great writer and
thinker. He will be missed, but his works will continue to
talk to us and provide the tools by which we can continue
our learning process.
Richard D. Melson, DRE Co-Chair
Dayton Education Council
========================
To me, Mortimer Adler was a kindred spirit, more so than
most. I discovered philosophy in my adult life, and in my
fascination with it I dreamed about writing and teaching
and instilling in others a passion for wisdom and learning.
When I discovered the writings of Mr. Adler, I found
someone who deeply articulated what I would have said if
I’d devoted all of my life to such study. I always wished I
could have known Mr. Adler personally. I think we’d have
had some great debates. Though I have no formal degree in
philosophy, in Mortimer Adler I found a Great Mind
through whose writings I felt affirmed for who I was and
felt encouraged and validated and treated as though I, too,
could be on a par with the greatest minds of history. Mr.
Adler talked to me like I was a adult, never down as to an
inferior. I hope that in my own small way I can continue the
legacy he established.
Ken Ewing
========================
Dear Max,
Please extend my deepest sympathy to the family of our
greatest teacher and mentor. We all join them in expressing
our sorrow and loss of a one of a kind person, someone who
made us grasp the true meaning of life and understand the
enigmas of living. I must say that he had a truly “happy”
fulfilled life.
Edilberto M. Bautista, M.D.
========================
My sincere condolences to the Adler family for their lost.
Although professor Adler lived a full, productive, and rich
life, the pain of loosing someone as special as he cannot be
easy. You knew Mr. Adler in a loving, emotional, and
intellectual way. We, on the outside, knew him primarily in
an intellectual way. However, that in itself was and
continues to be a deep and overwhelming privilege. For he
was our teacher, our mentor, and our example of how we
should think and what we should be thinking about, if we
are to live a good life. He was also what we secretly wished
we could all be, a genius with a heart: a philanthropist in
mind and spirit. Two men are talking: one man says to the
other, “Did Mortimer J. Adler live a good life, or a life filled
with happiness?” The other man replies, “I don’t know, for
on a great many occasions, he told the truth about truth,
goodness, beauty, liberty, equality, and justice [just to name
of few of the great ideas] and that delighted some people
but made others angry. But what I do know is that it did
not make me angry. On the contrary, he brought a great deal
of happiness to me by so generously sharing his ideas, and I
thank him for it.” The other man replied, “My [and millions
more] sentiments exactly.”
Jerry Dampier
========================
It seems I have been through quite a few “life changes”
lately. For the past week, I have seen my oldest son turn 18,
and have helped him launch his new life in college. Upon
my return from my son’s college orientation, I learned of the
news of Dr. Adler’s death. Yet one more change. Not that
my life and Dr. Adler’s were in any way directly connected.
Our paths never crossed, but I harbored the hope that
someday I would have the chance to meet and to thank the
man most responsible for bringing clear focus to my life-long
pursuit of happiness. That small hope is one that I will
never realize. And for that I am saddened.
I am grateful not only for the mark that Mortimer left on my
life, but for the mark he left on so many thousands of others
during his almost 100 years of life. Those of us who have--
through Dr. Adler’s tutelage--learned the joy and pain of
struggling with the “Great Ideas” needed more than to
discover this for ourselves. We needed others to discover it
as well. Dr. Adler understood this better than anyone. He
recognized that the pursuit of truth is inherently a social
process. The spark of intellectual discovery requires
dialogue and discussion, and not simply solitary
contemplation. The Great Books, The Great Ideas, Great
Books seminars, Paideia seminars--all of these monumental
legacies--offer a foundation for building a thoughtful society
that is engaged not only in the “Great Conversation” of the
past, but is engaged in an ongoing conversation in the
present.
I have often marveled at how generously Dr. Adler poured
his own thoughts onto the written page to share with
everyone. His 70 years of publication are testimony to a life
spent in constant pursuit of a better understanding of the
ideas most important to all of us. No problem or question
was too daunting for him. Does God exist? How do we
think about war and peace? What is a good life? What is a
good society? What is a good education? He tackled these
questions with a commonsense perspective that stood in
stark contrast to so much of the 20th century’s bewildering
and esoteric academic meanderings. One of the most
striking aspects of his life’s work in print is the portrait it
paints of a man always learning and always changing his
perspective on the great ideas. It is a model for us all.
Mortimer Adler ruffled more than a few feathers in his long
career--often because he dared to question the bankrupt
moral philosophy that he found around him. Not unlike
Socrates. But, also like Socrates, Dr. Adler upset many
because he was passionate--and sometimes arrogant. He was
not an icon of philosophical and intellectual neutrality. He
was a human being with human frailties who constantly
pursued truth. And the pursuit of truth is often messy.
That’s an important lesson for me. His life inspires me to
step into the fray, to make mistakes, to take what faculties
(good and bad) I have been endowed with--and pursue
truth and wisdom. And for that, I thank him.
John Sheehan, Board of Education
Douglas County School District, Castle Rock, CO
========================
I was deeply saddened to read that Mortimer had died. The
difference in that man certainly made a difference in me. He
was a ‘way shower” with his writings. When, in 1987, I
checked out from the Denver Public library “The Difference
in Man and the Difference It Makes” I had no idea my
Great Books and moreover my Great Ideas reading and
discussion groups were going to cause me to differ from
what I was.
First, I was going to differ in my thinking. My emotions
were checked and my reasoning was awakened. I became
interested in reading the ancients. For the first time I
understood the words over the University of Colorado’s
Norlin Library that said, “He Who Knows Only His Own
Generation, Always Remains A Child”.
Second, I was going to differ in my approach to my
management job. My pursuit of know-how gave way to
good judgment and good decision-making. In running the
real estate acquisition department of a roadway project, my
use of the concept “treat equals as equals and unequals as
unequals in proportion to their inequality” become
standard, yet difficult to apply. Understanding there are two
kinds of minds, speculative and practical, became invaluable
in dealing with people. Doing good, doing no harm and
giving each other his due became a sensible way to manage a
tollway construction project. Again not easy to apply, but
grasping the concept of justice and always trying to
determine “what is good” produced good results.
Third, I was going to differ in my desire to better
understand ethics and politics. I stepped up my reading of
the editorial pages and improved my ability to discern sound
argument and sophistry. With this, I started to dislike
opinion worshipping and like knowledge advancement.
Lastly, the difference in me has made a difference in my
family, friends, habits and choices. All because I picked up
one of Mortimer’s books and quickly got hooked on his
clear thinking.
May his books be read thousands of years from now.
Brian D. Hansen
========================
What can one individual say about a man who has spent
nearly a century carrying forward the tradition we are all
heirs to? Modern Western civilization seems to be
attempting to construct an international society like
Caligula’s Rome (or worse as a friend of mine recently
declared). One could say that we have arrived at
Machivelli’s new moral continent and found that the living
conditions are not very pleasant. The legacy left by
Mortimer Adler will lead us back to the roots of our tradition
and away from the disaster inflicted on us by the so-called
Enlightenment. Thomas Aquinas regarded himself as a
beginner as all good students should and so wrote for
beginners. Mortimer Adler has done the same in our day
and we owe him a great debt for his service. May he rest in
peace and enjoy the vision of Our Lord forever.
Anthony Buckley
========================
Dear Max,
Having only got back to my computer today, I have
belatedly caught up with your very sad news. As a very
recent member of the Centre, and recent discoverer of
Mortimer Adler’s ideas, I am really only embarking on a
voyage with his works. But I have already seen enough to
understand what a singular figure he has been. From the
ends of the earth here in New Zealand, can I also extend my
deepest sympathies. His passing behooves the rest of us to
try to continue his good works.
Yours sincerely
Allan Bracegirdle, Australia
========================
What a run! Dr. Adler lived “at the height of his time”,
running faithfully the course seemingly divinely given to
him. Ninety-eight years of encouraging people, the common
people, to think. From Dialectic to How to Think About the
Great Ideas, Dr. Adler never seemed to rest. Always
thinking. Always teaching. Always encouraging.
I am saddened that I will never get to meet Dr. Adler and
especially saddened for those who knew him well. But
listen. We can still hear his voice, clearly, distinctly, forever
mingled with the voices that carry on the Great
Conversation. Well done, Dr. Adler. Well done!
Herminio Rivera
========================
Let’s celebrate the life of Mortimer Adler, a generous scholar,
a learned man who dedicated his life to sharing his
knowledge and viewpoints with those less seasoned in the
world of academics.
He led a noble life of the mind.
R.L. Friedman
========================
Mortimer Adler’s Legacy
Mortimer J. Adler’s death is a sad event but also an occasion
to celebrate one of the great, progressive thinkers in
American education. Dr. Adler’s genius in advancing the
idea that tradition is not the “dead hand of the past” but the
fertile grounding for the life of the mind and ultimately for
the commonweal is more germane than ever.
In an era in which education is being reduced to test-taking
and meaningless numbers, his clarion call for humanistic
education based on the innate desire to learn, and the
possibility of genuine understanding, remains a hope and a
challenge for educators. Those of us who were influenced
and excited by his teaching should continue the work he
began and advanced so well of bringing learners to explore,
understand and critique the expanding universe of the
classics. †
Joseph P. Healey, Head - Ethical Culture Fieldston School
========================
As I enter my 60th year, I feel the influence that Mortimer
Adler has had on my life. As an only child growing up in a
Southern Baptist environment, I learned, by middle age, and
with the help of Adler’s books, how much I didn’t know
about the nature of man and his (I should say “my”)
relationship to the world. Adler helped put me in touch.
The strange thing is that I could have lived my life without
it, as most people do. “It” is not a religious experience, and
“it” is not a refutation of God. “It” has given me personal
growth and a gradual onset of peace of mind. I believe this
to be the “happy life” that Dr. Adler says we can have.
Thank you Mortimer Adler, and thank you to all the other
great thinkers who preceded him. It is truly a GREAT
CONVERSATION.
Dr. Max Morley, Music Professor
Stephen F. Austin State University
========================
Dear Max Weismann
You are very much in my thoughts and prayers. Even I as
an outsider cannot begin to fathom “losing” Mortimer Adler.
Sincerely,
Shirley Stinson, Professor Emerita University of Alberta
========================
Max
Mortimer’s life was a huge statement. His impact lives on.
Many of us are still motivated to think, read, grow, become
more human, and more Christian, as he taught. That
influence should grow, from him, through all of us.
I expect all of us to be connected via these prayers.
Stay in touch. May all else be well.
Richard E. Dooley
========================
Dear Max:
Your exquisite choice of Mark Van Doren’s letter to his son
as tribute to Mortimer touched us deeply. To you, his true
and devoted friend, we send our condolences with the
request that you share them with his family.
Chuck and Peg Callard
========================
“Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee
to thy rest!” -Hamlet, Act V, ln.370
Tom Murray
========================
Dear Max,
Thanks for the opportunity to express my appreciation and
condolences.
Often, I find myself wishing that I had “discovered”
Mortimer J. Adler in my youth and not so late in life as I did,
given the deep and positive way in which he has influenced
who I am striving to become. However, I feel so fortunate
that I did discover him in time, and that I was able to
participate in a few seminars which he led.
At one seminar in Aspen, I sat with Dr. Adler around an
evening outdoor fire and discussed with him where I might
best study ancient and medieval philosophy, during an
upcoming sabbatical. I asked what books he would
recommend I read. He said he would have to think about it.
We did not talk for more than 5 -10 minutes. The very next
morning, at my place around the seminar table, I found a
note from Dr. Adler in which he identified the books which
he would recommend. He was a truly remarkable man in
many ways!! I shall miss him.
My deepest sympathy go to members of Dr. Adler’s family
on their profound loss.
-------------
I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts.
What a great loss you have suffered, but what a great thing
it is for us that Mortimer and you co-found the Center.
Mortimer will live on!!!
June Kikuchi, Alberta
========================
Please extend my condolences to Dr. Adler’s family, friends
and colleagues. While I never met him, I certainly feel as if I
knew him through his works. His desire for the best for
everyone, a truly good life, was clearly seen and appreciated.
I pray that he is now with God, and no longer has to just
think about Him.
Bruce Buff
========================
Max,
What a great loss to the intellectual life of America. But
what a great example of what the intellectual life can be at its
very best. I am far richer for having read his work.
Graves E. Enck, University of Memphis
========================
Thank you Dr. Mortimer Adler for your great contribution to
Civilization.
Now is a time for silence and reflection, but most of all a
time for deep appreciation for your life and works. You
taught several generations how to read with understanding
as well as to think deeply.
I only wish I could listen in on the Great Conversations and
Paideia Seminars you will be conducting with Homer,
Aeschylus, Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, et al. What divine
Dialogues and infinite Shared Inquiries will fill your mind’s
eye and voice of wisdom?
Dr. J. Paul De Vierville
========================
I never met Dr. Adler. I’ve talked and argued with him
countless times. I never looked into his eyes or shook his
hand. But I have touched his mind. And that has made all
the difference. I shall continue to seek his counsel till the
day I die.
Todd McCune
========================
Dear Max,
A flame went out on June 28th, 2001.
If I can have the impact on a single life that Dr. Adler had
on my life, I will leave this life a successful man.
I read a lot as a boy but I did not like high school. When I
learned that college was different, I wanted to attend. When
my university demanded that I name a major, my reply was
“knowledge, truth.”
I was a naive, orphan boy. Despite the wisdom I gained
about men and institutions from orphanage life and later
Vietnam War service, I was naive enough to expect that
university men were about the pursuit of knowledge, truth
and wisdom. Instead, I found arrogance, pretense, career
climbing, bureaucracy, narrow specialization, scientism,
career networks and political agenda. To most professors,
students are mere cannon fodder.
For a few years, I tried to stop pondering over the abstract
questions. In spite of myself, I found I still wanted to know
things, many things. Fortunately, Dr. Adler wrote several
fascinating books, since that day in 1973, when I discovered
a used copy of his classic book, “How to Read a Book.”
What Dr. Adler said in that book lead to my decision to
pursue a formal education.
Long after I had left university life and I had forgotten
about Dr. Adler and his book, I discovered two other books
by Dr. Adler, “Ten Philosophical Mistakes” and “The Four
Dimensions of Philosophy.”
I was hooked. Here was a real philosopher telling me that
the professors are wrong, that the ideas that I had about
philosophy and knowledge were much closer to the mark
than the notions my teachers had insisted were correct. I
never looked back. After four degrees and several
scholarships and years of serious reading, I knew that I still
did not have the general education that I set out to obtain in
1973 I was spinning my wheels.
Here was a Former University of Chicago professor, a man
who had dared to publicly disagree with John Dewey,
telling me that I had the right general idea: I had expected
my philosophy teachers to be versed in the thought of those
who had come before them, beginning with the ancient
thinkers. I thought that modern history professors like
Sidney Hook and John P. Diggins, who discuss philosophy
and knowledge so much, should have a better grasp of
philosophy than they do.
In my forties, I finally knew how to pursue the education I
wanted and here was Dr. Adler telling me that it is O.K.
because real education is usually wasted on young men, that
the classic schools consisted of students who were over the
age of 35. I assembled a collection of Adler’s books and
certain books written by Hutchins, the Van Dorens, St. Ives,
Jacques Maritain and even one by John Erskine. For several
years, I was suspicious that my university studies were
leading nowhere. For four years now, I am certain that I am
on the right path, the path I sought, when I entered college
in 1973.
For my years wondering about in the university spawned
wasteland, many professors are responsible. For my past few
years of learning, one man is responsible; He was Mortimer
J. Adler. He will be missed.
Tim Bandy
========================
Max,
For someone like me who never knew Dr. Adler personally,
he has been an absent teacher. So long as we have his
books, he will continue to be an absent teacher to me and
others.
He tried--hopefully successfully, only time will tell-- to pass
on an important legacy.
Jim Poindexter
========================
Dear Max, Friends, Members, and Colleagues,
I am very sorry to hear of Mortimer Adler’s death. I found
his thinking and arguments interesting and fruitful for my
own philosophical issues I am pursuing. Although I do not
always agree with Adler and sometimes think better
arguments could be found I nonetheless have found few
philosophers less addicted to ponderous and obscure
verbiage. This is not to say philosophy is an easy pursuit
needing clear definitions and employment of profound
argument. Rather it is to say Adler had a way of cutting to
the heart of the issues and laying the different positions out
in a clear fashion.
Probably we all wish we could have consulted with Adler
on issues we were struggling with. Often it was Max who
helped us directly and for his help in the midst of Adler’s
last years we are grateful. I was fortunate that Max felt what
I wrote to Adler concerning how Encyclopedia Britannia’s
problems in keeping Great Ideas publishing going were
brought to his attention. Max was kind to relay that Adler
felt I had some good ideas and he hoped the publisher
would do something along the lines I suggested.
I suggest two ways we can honor Adler is to bring out two
published works: one covering the lectures he gave in his
church dealing with Christian philosophical tradition (this
honors the faith he found late in life); the other is to collect
as many of his essays as possible in one volume or several.
For example many are not aware of his writings in The Great
Ideas Today books. However I realize these are issues
whoever Adler left is literary estate to will have to grapple
with.
In an age when many philosophers, politicians, and others
engaged in speaking untruth and even rank nonsense Adler
often helped many to see through to the truth and be able
to recognize when nonsense, however cleverly phrased or
pleasing presented, was really worthless and unworthy ideas
to be held by so noble a creature as us humans.
Above all this Adler’s gift to instill in one the abilities
needed to critically think an issue through was a prize
worthy of mastering for our individual benefit in making us
more humane and noble as humans.
Thanks be to God for the life and work of Mortimer Adler
and those who have worked with this man to help us all.
Amen
Ted M. Beverley
========================
Max,
My condolences to the Adler family. Dr. Adler can now look
back to his time on earth as a “life well lived”, --as he
defines happiness. And “the nation’s pedagogue” as W.F.
Buckley called him -- of the 20th century, one might add.
Now it is to you, Max and the rest of us to carry the torch.
Phil Gelinas, Leader, The Great Ideas Discussion Group
========================
The Maestro, as I will always remember him.
Max Weismann
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