In our fast-paced world, it can feel like classic literature and philosophy are buried treasures – forgotten relics of a bygone era. But what if I told you there was a way to unearth these riches and share them with your kids? As a homeschooling parent, I’m always on the hunt for resources that can spark curiosity, ignite imaginations, and maybe even give my brain a little workout. That’s where Heritage Humanities and the Great Books of Western Civilization come in.
This post, The Great Books of Western Civilization, is a sponsored post. That means I was compensated for my time. My opinions however are my own. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Heritage Humanities offers a unique and valuable resource: a treasure chest overflowing with the Great Books of Western Civilization. These aren’t just dusty old tomes. They’re the building blocks of Western thought, brimming with adventure, wisdom, and ideas that have shaped our world.
What are the Great Books of Western Civilization?
Unlike my typical homeschool book list, The Great Books of Western Civilization is a collection of foundational texts that have profoundly influenced Western thought, culture, and society. While the specific selection may vary depending on the compilation or curriculum, this list of the great books is an awesome place to start:
The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer
These epic poems from Ancient Greece are among the earliest and most influential works of Western literature. They explore themes of heroism, honor, and the human condition.
The Republic by Plato
This philosophical dialogue presents Plato’s ideas on justice, governance, and the nature of the ideal state, as articulated by Socrates.
The Histories by Herodotus
Often considered the first work of history in Western literature, Herodotus’ account of the Greco-Persian Wars provides valuable insights into ancient cultures and civilizations.
The Bible
Including both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Bible is a foundational text of Judeo-Christian theology and morality. It contains religious narratives, laws, poetry, and ethical teachings.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s plays and poetry are essential to understanding English literature and language. Shakespeare’s work provided the first written record of an estimated 1700 words. His plays and poetry explore themes of love, power, ambition, and the complexities of the human experience. You may even like celebrating TALK LIKE SHAKESPEARE DAY.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Written by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, this series of philosophical reflections offers timeless wisdom on virtue, resilience, and the pursuit of inner peace.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Considered one of the greatest works of fiction ever written, Don Quixote is a satirical novel that explores the nature of reality, illusion, and the human spirit.
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
This seminal work of political philosophy examines the social contract, the role of government, and the nature of power, influencing modern political theory.
Essays by Michel de Montaigne
Montaigne’s essays cover a wide range of topics. These include philosophy, politics, education, and personal reflection. The essays offer profound insights into human nature and the human condition.
Paradise Lost by John Milton
This epic poem retells the biblical story of the Fall of Man, exploring themes of temptation, sin, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil.
Why Great Books Matter at Home
For homeschoolers, finding resources that go beyond textbooks can be a game-changer. Heritage Humanities offers the timeless wisdom of the Great Books in a way that feels like an exciting adventure, not a forced march through history. Their curated selection leads us on a journey of discovery. One that is filled with captivating stories and characters that will make your kids forget they’re even learning.
What Makes Heritage Humanities Special?
Imagine this: your child, curled up with a tablet or phone, completely engrossed in the tales of Odysseus or the philosophical musings of Marcus Aurelius. Heritage Humanities makes this a reality with its user-friendly website. It’s like having a personal library at your fingertips, with everything neatly organized and categorized. Ancient Greece? Check. Judeo-Christian theology? Check.
But Heritage Humanities goes beyond just providing the books. They understand my kids learn in different ways. That’s why they offer the classics in a variety of formats. We can read traditional ebooks or listen with audio support. There is even an on-site dictionary to help with those tricky vocabulary words.
My favorite feature? The ability to adjust the text size and format for comfortable reading. No more squinting at tiny fonts!
More Than Just Facts and Figures
Heritage Humanities believes that exposure to these timeless works does more than just fill young minds with facts and figures. It helps them develop critical thinking skills, analyze complex ideas, and grapple with big questions about life, the universe, and everything. It’s about becoming thoughtful citizens who can engage with the world around them.
A Journey Through Time, Together
Homeschooling allows us the flexibility to explore subjects in a holistic way. The Great Books are a perfect example of this. With Heritage Humanities, you can integrate literature, history, philosophy, and even art into your lessons. This allowed me to create a rich tapestry of learning for my children.
Most importantly, the Great Books offer valuable lessons about character and virtue. As your children journey through these stories, they’ll encounter themes of courage, integrity, compassion, and resilience. These are timeless values that resonate across generations. Heritage Humanities equips you to nurture these qualities in your children, fostering well-rounded individuals alongside their academic growth.
A Haven for Learning and Growth
Heritage Humanities is more than just a website; it’s a haven for learning and growth for homeschooling families. It’s a place where kids can embark on exciting intellectual adventures, grapple with complex ideas, and develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re looking to unearth the treasures of the Great Books with your children, Heritage Humanities is the perfect map to guide you on your journey.
Their hope is that the collection of books they are putting together will help children of all ages reach the level where they can read and understand the important works so that they can think for themselves, understand where our culture came from, and live responsible, moral, ethical, and hopefully happy lives as adults.
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