OUR SEARCH FOR MEANING
Taken from the Summer issue of the PLATO Persimmon, published
by the PLATO program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
This new course will explore issues around meaning, purpose and
happiness. This discussion is unstructured although they will
be guided by the works and ideas of Victor Frankl (Man’s
Search for Meaning), Paul Tillich (The Courage to Be),
George Burns (How to Live to Be 100 or More) and others
who bring meaning and humor into one’s life. Each participant
in the group will have the opportunity to lead a discussion.
Named one of the Books of the Century by the New York Public Library,
The Courage to Be is a deeply insightful book. One of
the world’s more eminent philosophers describes the dilemma
of modern man and points a way to conquering the problem of anxiety.
This edition includes a new introduction by Peter J. Gomes that
reflects on the impact of this book in the years since it was
written.
"Were I to choose the most significant book in religion published
in the second half of the 20th century, my choice would fall easily
upon Paul Tillich’s The Courage to Be.” Peter
J. Gomes
“The brilliance, the wealth of illustration, and the aptness
of personal application make the reading of these chapters an
exciting experience.” W. Norman Pittenger, New
York Times Book Review.
Paul Tillich (1886-1965), world-renowned philosopher and theologian,
taught in several German universities until he was dismissed in
1933 because of his opposition to the Nazi regime. In America
he was affiliated with the Union Theological Seminary, Harvard
University, and the University of Chicago. Peter J. Gomes is Plummer
Professor of Christian Morals and Pusey Minister in the Memorial
Church, Harvard University.