Richard Winn Livingstone "A defence of classical education"

This book was written during World War I, by an English scholar, in defence of an education system still present at that time, but with traditions in the Renaissance and even Antiquity. The "classical education" in title is learning ancient languages - Greek and Latin - and studying literary and philosophical works of Greece and Rome. I need to explain that it wasn't the whole of the education system back then, but an important element, present also in Germany, and, probably, many other countries. This element was attacked, and the charges against it sound familiar after 100 years: it's too hard, unpractical, what's the point learning it. The criticism of Polish (literature) lessons is very similar.

What's the line of defence? Livingstone appealed to the artistic value of Greek literature, incomparable with any other in his opinion (but he highlighted you can fully appreciate it only in the original language). In turn, Greek philosophy is the root of science, beginning of the examination of reality by reason, important moral truth, and even theological progress (in relations to myths passed on by Homer). It is also - together with history - an important inspiration to thinking about politics. With relations to languages, Livingstone is convinced that ancient Greek is the most elastic instrument of thought and expression ever, while Latin is the most orderly and logical language, a true school of discipline in thinking. The author also appreciates heroic characters of Roman literature.

Besides defending a particular model of education, the book also contains valuable reflections on teaching and learning in general. What I particularly liked was the emphasis on the role of the teacher and on the fact that the best he has to offer is his personality and his way of looking at the world and at knowledge. It's worth reading this book in order to broaden your horizons.