College as Spiritual Journey

College as Spiritual Journey 

Topic of Choice

November 22, 2015

The idea of university arose during the early Medieval ages in Europe. Old monasteries were turned into centers for learning. Naturally, the university took a monastic approach to learning. The conviction was that one could only learn and master certain materials over the course of four years of intense, single-minded devotion to study. The lecturer would read from his own book and the students would take notes from him. Instead of buying books, students would take notes during the lecture and copy the professor’s book. In addition to studies, the average college student today is involved in clubs and organizations, works a job, and spends ample time with friends. The value of intellectual monasticism has been lost. As a philosophy major, I have come to understand that comprehension and the internalizing of difficult and complex ideas takes time and energy. In order to learn and excel I am challenged to take on the attitude of an aesthetic. There may be no other time in my life when I will have the privilege to pour over so many amazing books. I have come to treat learning as my full time job during my college years. No, philosophy is not the most popular field of study. Businesses are not crying out for philosophers these days. At the end of the day, I take comfort in knowing that I am doing what I love and am most passionate about. I have decided to treat college as a spiritual journey of intellectual monasticism. The implications of this decision are twofold: I am committed to learning the materials presented in my classes and reading all my texts while also committed to relationships with the people I am living in community with. Though I have leaned many things in class, the most valuable lessons have come through relationships. Knowledge is the map that helps me better navigate through the seas of life.