Third Freshman Foundation Lecture Delivered at Hillsdale College
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College Dean of Humanities and Temple Family Chair in English Literature Stephen Smith gave the third lecture for the Freshman Foundation series on Feb. 21, addressing the third of Hillsdale College’s four pillars: character.
Smith discussed the intrinsic connection between the liberal arts and character formation. He explained that education is critical to the etching and engraving of the soul and that students must give priority to intentional character development in order to live well. “A person is of good character when their soul is branded or molded or etched in such a way that it consistently desires and makes good choices and actions,” explained Smith. “Our character must learn to love with the best order and right the order of our loves on the inside.”
Smith also made reference to “Dante’s Divine Comedy” to encourage freshmen to stay strong in the midst of academic, personal, and professional struggles, arguing such experiences are the most formative in the long term. “For Dante, it’s through the journey that self-knowledge really begins. It’s true. His fear grows through the poem and it is a fearsome and kind of terrible contemplation. He endures correction from his teacher. But as he nears the end of that poem, wisdom begins to bud on him,” said Smith.
Required for all first-year students, the Freshman Foundation series is an introduction to academic life at Hillsdale College, the partnership on a college campus, and what it means to be a Hillsdale student. The series takes place over the course of the academic year and addresses the Four Pillars of Hillsdale College in student life: learning, faith, character, and freedom. The series complements the Senior Capstone, a course offered each semester to members of the senior class and a requirement for graduation.
For photos from the lecture, click here.