The most moving novels, the most profound ethical texts, the most compelling philosophies, and the gospel of Jesus Christ share two features: first, they all focus on how humans attain happiness and second, they all have very strong opinions about what happiness is. Clearly, it is an unescapable question.

250 years ago next summer, our nation, conceived in liberty, defended their right to declare themselves new and independent states. They argued that every human being has an equal, unalienable right to “the pursuit of happiness.” They went further and argued that it is to secure that right, among others, that governments are established.

Since the pursuit of happiness is both an unescapable question and an unalienable right, it seems prudent to think about our responsibilities and opportunities as classical educators.

• What is happiness?

• How do we achieve it?

• How has the one country in human history that dared make itself accountable to secure this right become so unhappy?

• What has any of this to do with the classical curriculum, how we teach, how we govern and lead, how we learn, assessment, and community?

We need your insights and questions and we especially need your fellowship. Please join us as we contemplate together the only really practical theme: “The Pursuit of Happiness.” Let’s get this one right!