A Hare was making fun of the Tortoise one day for being so slow.
“Do you ever get anywhere?” he asked with a mocking laugh.
“Yes,” replied the Tortoise, “and I get there sooner than you think. I’ll run you a race and prove it.”
Reclaiming Authentic Learning and Deep Reading
The ancient Greek “skholē,” root of our word “school,” meant leisure—not idleness, but space for contemplation and wisdom. This classical understanding contrasts sharply with today’s view of education as a utilitarian and expedient process. Authentic learning requires freedom from constant productivity demands, allowing understanding to develop naturally through sustained engagement with ideas in a shared community of interest.
The Great Books Approach
The Great Books tradition in North American colleges and reading communities has made vital contributions by treating classical texts not as historical artifacts but as living works addressing perennial questions.
These texts illuminate fundamental truths about human experience, serving as enduring instruments of knowledge.
However, many programs have favored breadth over depth, leading to superficial understanding rather than deep engagement.
The Case for Slow Reading
The most significant works deserve more than cursory examination. They require sustained engagement and careful study—time that traditional academic programs often cannot provide but that participants consistently desire. A thorough analysis of a single chapter or even a single page, discussed in depth with others, provides more value than a rapid review of extensive material.
The Value of Slow Reading and Community
Significant works require sustained study—time that traditional programs rarely provide but participants deeply value. Close reflection of even a single chapter, in the context of an inquisitive conversation with others, offers more insight than rapid review of extensive material.
The strength of Great Books communities lies in the connections formed through shared intellectual exploration. Whether online or in-person, these gatherings foster lasting relationships built on meaningful dialogue about fundamental questions, creating an exceptional learning environment characterized by substance and depth
The Tortoise meanwhile kept going slowly but steadily, and, after a time, passed the place where the Hare was sleeping.
But the Hare slept on very peacefully; and when at last he did wake up, the Tortoise was near the goal. The Hare now ran his swiftest, but he could not overtake the Tortoise in time.
The race is not always to the swift.

The Human Edge in lifelong classical learning: A Value Proposition from The Symposium Institute
In an age of advancing artificial intelligence, the question arises: What distinguishes human-led classical learning from potentially automated alternatives? Consider a scenario where both an AI system and a human interpreter offer identical analytical insights into Nausicaa’s encounter with Odysseus in Book 6 of the Odyssey. While the machine might match the factual interpretation, The Symposium Institute offers a fundamentally different and more valuable experience.
The Irreplaceable Human Element
The core value of Symposium’s approach lies not merely in the transmission of knowledge, but in the creation of authentic human connections through shared intellectual exploration. When participants gather to discuss classical texts, they engage in a form of community building that transcends mere textual analysis. Each person brings their lived experiences, emotional responses, and unique perspectives to the conversation, creating a rich tapestry of understanding that evolves organically through human interaction.
Beyond Information Exchange
While AI systems can process and present information with remarkable efficiency, they cannot truly participate in the subtle dynamics of live human dialogue. The experience of reading and discussing great works in a community setting involves:
– Authentic emotional resonance with the text and fellow readers
– Spontaneous connections between ancient wisdom and contemporary life
– The development of lasting friendships forged through shared intellectual discovery
– The joy of unexpected insights emerging from genuine human interaction
– The development of core intellectual virtues (excellences) that quicken in a social learning community, like the love of truth, inquisitiveness, courage, humility, fairness, thoroughness or a care for detail, autonomy, the awareness of original and imitation; a capacity for reflecting on oneself and the whole; learning how to stay focused on what is important, developing a sense of disinterested appreciation of the questions and approaches to various texts by exposure to many and varied interpretations; the habit of helping others develop their understanding that comes from a sense of shared pursuit.
A Premium Learning Experience
Symposium offers a high-end educational experience that centers on human connection and authentic dialogue. This approach:
– Creates intimate learning communities where genuine relationships can flourish
– Facilitates transformative conversations that extend beyond formal discussion sessions
– Builds enduring networks of intellectually engaged individuals
– Provides a space for authentic human growth and development
While artificial intelligence may or may not serve as a valuable tool in classical education, the essence of Symposium’s value proposition lies in its ability to foster genuine human connections and deep cognitive exercise through the shared exploration of timeless texts. This experience cannot be replicated by technology alone, as it emerges from the uniquely human capacity for authentic relationship, emotional understanding, and collaborative meaning-making.
The future may bring technological advances that challenge our current understanding of machine capabilities. However, the fundamental value of human-to-human connection in education—particularly in the discussion of profound works that address the human condition—remains at the heart of Symposium’s mission and success.

How it Works
Our online slow reading seminar pathways run for a minimum of 24 weeks, with once weekly meetings, and recordings available for missed sessions. Our classics in mathematics/natural science pathway meets two time per week.
Some complex works, such as Plato’s Republic, Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, or Aristotle’s Politics may extend to a year or longer.
We also offer studies in the liberal arts, such as mathematics, music, and fine art, as well as reading courses in ancient Greek and classical Latin.
Our slow reading program incorporates three distinct slow reading approaches, depending of the nature of the work.
- Walking Pace Reading: A line-by-line or paragraph-by-paragraph discussion without a set end date. Readers pause frequently for observations and questions, sometimes covering as little as one page per session. This method is particularly effective for philosophical texts, allowing for thorough comprehension and rich connections.
- Benchmark Reading: Follows a structured schedule with a predetermined end date, typically 24 weeks. For example, reading one book of the Iliad per week allows sustained immersion in the text, contrasting with traditional programs that cover the work in 4-8 sessions.
- Walking Pace + Benchmark Reading: Combines close reading during seminars with independent reading at home. Over a set period (e.g., 24 weeks), participants might closely examine 30 pages while reading the entire work independently. This approach provides both detailed analysis and comprehensive coverage.

Slow Reading Seminar Prospectus
Quarter 2: April-June
On the Shoulders of Giants: Euclid’s Elements (January-May)
Benchmark Reading
Mondays + Thursdays 12pm EST
Arc of Modernity: Lorca, Poet in New York (New – 12 weeks)
Benchmark Reading
Tuesdays, 3pm EST
Don Quixote de la Mancha (New – 24 + weeks)
Benchmark Reading
Arc of Modernity with the Great Books of Iberia
Tuesdays 8pm EST
Homer’s Odyssey (Continuing from Q1)
Benchmark Reading
Tuesdays 8pm EST
Shakespeare (TBD)
Benchmark Reading
Wednesdays 2pm EST
Dante’s Divine Comedy: Purgatorio (Continuing from Q1)
Benchmark Reading
Wednesdays 8pm EST
Aristotle, Politics (Continuing from Q1)
Walking pace slow reading
Thursdays 2pm EST
The Bible: Gospel of Matthew (Continuing from Q1)
Benchmark Reading, 28 weeks
Thursdays, 8 pm EST
Euclid Elements (Books 8-10) (Continuing from Q1)
Walking pace slow reading
Thursdays, 8 pm EST
Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (Continuing from Q1)
Walking pace slow reading
Fridays 2 pm EST
Xenophon and Homer in ancient Greek, alternate Sunday evenings
Reading Vergil and Livy in Latin, alternating Monday evenings
Quarter 3: July-September
Apollonius, Conic Sections (New)
Benchmark Reading Mondays + Thursdays 12pm EST
Dante’s Divine Comedy: Purgatorio (Continuing from Q2)
Benchmark Reading, Wednesdays 8pm EST
Aristotle, Politics (Continuing from Q2)
Walking pace slow reading Thursdays 2pm EST
Euclid Elements (Books 8-10) (Continuing from Q2)
Walking pace slow reading Thursdays, 8 pm EST
Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (Continuing from Q2)
Walking pace slow reading Fridays 2 pm EST
Xenophon and Homer in ancient Greek, alternate Sunday evenings
Reading Vergil and Livy in Latin, alternating Monday evenings
Quarter 4: October-December
Ptolemy, Almagest (New)
Benchmark Reading Mondays + Thursdays 12pm EST
The Art of the String Quartet : Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven (New)
Benchmark Listening, 2 Quarters, Tuesdays, 12pm EST
Borges (New)
Benchmark Reading, 1 Quarter, Tuesdays, 3pm EST
Aristotle, Physics (New)
Walking pace reading
Wednesdays, 2pm EST
Divine Comedy: Purgatorio (Continuing from Q3)
Benchmark Reading Wednesdays 8pm EST
Aristotle, Politics (Continuing from Q3)
Walking pace slow reading Thursdays 2pm EST
Euclid Elements (Book 11-12) (Continuing from Q3)
Walking pace slow reading Thursdays, 8 pm EST
Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (Continuing from Q3)
Walking pace slow reading Fridays 2 pm EST
Xenophon and Homer in ancient Greek, alternate Sunday evenings
Reading Vergil and Livy in Latin, alternating Monday evenings


Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Democracy in America

The Roots of Modern Thought

Arc of Modernity

Aristotle’s Politics

Homeric Greek

The Plays of Shakespeare

Attic Greek : Xenophon’s Hellenica

Reading the Constitution

Learn Latin by Reading Vergil and Livy

A Musical Offering: The J.S. Bach Unhurried Listening Studio

How the ancients speak to us: Dante’s “Purgatorio”

The Gospel of Matthew

Genesis for Beginners

Protected: Mathematics and Natural Sciences Recordings Archive

Introduction to the Great Books

Homer’s Odyssey

Liberal Learning Consultations

Learn Greek the Natural Way

Crosscurrents: Art, Music and Literature in Conversation
“I am grateful to all the serious people reading thoughtfully in both of my reading pathways. And being politely considerate of each other’s opinion though not afraid to voice even acutely divergent interpretations. I’ve also enjoyed how the Sappho reading pathway (Greek and Roman Lyric poetry) sometimes probe and speculate beyond the immediate confines of the text, which help make sense of the fragmentary nature of the poetry.”
– APJ
“I have most enjoyed the observations of the group members about this text, and the challenge of integrating all the ideas expressed from the sessions. My Odyssey pathway is a wonderful group with participants who have so many varied and interesting viewpoints.”
– Denise V.


Unlock the Power of Deep Learning Through Our All-Access Subscription
Our comprehensive subscription provides unlimited access to all slow reading pathways plus personal guidance through monthly one-on-one consultations. This integrated approach ensures both collaborative learning and individual development.
Subscription Benefits:
- Full access to all reading pathways across philosophy, literature, languages, and arts
- Monthly private consultations for personal guidance
- Welcome orientation to optimize your learning experience
- Flexible quarterly or annual payment options
Freedom to join multiple pathways simultaneously, because of shorter readings.
Learn more about our subscription program here!






Dear readers and lovers of learning,
Welcome to the Symposium Great Books Institute! We are excited to share our love of conversational slow reading with you.
Whether you have ever read these books or not, take it from us: One great book read well – and slowly – is worth a hundred read in a whirlwind.
See below for upcoming offerings, and…
See you at the ‘table’!
Sincerely,
David, Reynaldo, Miryam, Eric, Clare, Jeff and Jason
Your Symposium Seminar Leaders
Slow down + take your time…
The Value of Deliberate Learning: Why Slowing Down Matters
In our fast-paced digital age, the practice of slow, deliberate reading and learning offers distinct advantages that enhance both comprehension and personal development. This approach fundamentally transforms how we engage with complex ideas and meaningful texts.
Deeper Understanding Through Patient Engagement
When we slow down our reading pace, we create space for genuine intellectual engagement. Rather than simply extracting information, we begin to recognize subtle connections, appreciate nuanced arguments, and understand complex ideas in their full context. This deeper level of comprehension allows us to build a more robust foundation of knowledge that serves us well in future learning endeavors.
Enhanced Critical Analysis and Retention
Deliberate reading naturally promotes active engagement with the text. When we take time to pause, reflect, and consider implications, we develop stronger analytical skills. Research indicates that slower, more focused reading leads to significantly better retention and recall, with studies suggesting comprehension improvements of up to 200% compared to rapid reading techniques.
Building Intellectual Stamina
The practice of slow reading develops our capacity for sustained intellectual engagement. Much like physical exercise, this mental discipline grows stronger with practice. By regularly engaging in careful, deliberate reading, we build the stamina needed to tackle increasingly complex texts and ideas.
Fostering Meaningful Discussion
When readers take time to thoroughly process material, they bring more thoughtful perspectives to group discussions. This deeper engagement leads to richer conversations, more insightful questions, and more meaningful connections between participants. The quality of discourse naturally elevates when all participants have taken time to carefully consider the material.
Professional and Personal Growth
In professional contexts, the ability to carefully analyze and deeply understand complex information provides a significant advantage. The skills developed through slow reading—patient analysis, careful consideration, and thorough understanding—transfer directly to professional decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
The Investment-Return Relationship
While slow reading requires a greater initial investment of time, it ultimately proves more efficient. The thorough understanding gained through careful reading often eliminates the need for multiple re-readings and reduces misunderstandings that could require clarification later. This approach builds a more solid foundation for advanced learning and practical application.
The practice of slow reading and learning represents a strategic investment in intellectual development. By resisting the urge to rush through material and instead engaging in careful, deliberate study, we develop stronger analytical capabilities, retain information more effectively, and build lasting understanding. This approach not only enhances our immediate comprehension but also develops crucial skills that serve us well in both academic and professional contexts.
Trust your questions
and your capacity to discover truth
in your reading and learning.
Our deepest questions are not mere psychological artifacts or idle musings to be dismissed. When we ask “What makes a life meaningful?” or “How should we face our mortality?” or “What does it mean to truly love?” – these questions emerge from the very essence of human experience. They are as real as hunger, as pressing as thirst.
Too often, we’ve learned to wave away these fundamental inquiries as symptoms of anxiety or products of an overactive mind. But look around and you’ll find these same questions echoing across cultures and centuries. They appear in the verses of Rumi, in the dialogues of Plato, in the meditations of Augustine. This universality hints at something profound – that our questioning itself points toward truths waiting to be discovered.
And here’s the truly exciting part: these questions may have answers. Not simple, reductive answers, but rich, living responses that emerge when minds meet in genuine dialogue. When we gather around a great text – whether it’s Dostoyevsky wrestling with free will or Woolf exploring the nature of consciousness – we’re not just reading. We’re joining a conversation that stretches across millennia, adding our own voice to a chorus of seekers.
The great books are not museum pieces but living interlocutors. They challenge us, surprise us, and often show us that others have walked the paths our questions are leading us down. Through deep engagement with these works and each other, we might find not just answers, but new and better questions – ones that lead us ever deeper into the mystery and wonder of being alive.

Single Book Pathways, Thematic Reading, and Ancient Language Courses
Protected: Mathematics and Natural Sciences Recordings Archive
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons
The Gospel of Matthew
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons
Attic Greek : Xenophon’s Hellenica
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons
Learn Greek the Natural Way
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons
Democracy in America
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons
Liberal Learning Consultations
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons
Genesis for Beginners
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons
Reading the Constitution
- 0 Students
- 0 Lessons

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“Excellent discussions, careful thinking.”
-Michael S.
“I am grateful to all the serious people reading thoughtfully in both of my reading pathways. And being politely considerate of each other’s opinion though not afraid to voice even acutely divergent interpretations. I’ve also enjoyed how the Sappho reading pathway (Greek and Roman Lyric poetry) sometimes probe and speculate beyond the immediate confines of the text, which help make sense of the fragmentary nature of the poetry.”
– APJ
“I have most enjoyed the observations of the group members about this text, and the challenge of integrating all the ideas expressed from the sessions. My Odyssey pathway is a wonderful group with participants who have so many varied and interesting viewpoints. A wonderful service you provide.”
– Denise V.