Timeless Wisdom Series: Quotes, Discussion, & Goals

Course Summary

Discuss philosophy and improve critical thinking skills as we discuss timeless wisdom from history.

Course Description

This Timeless Wisdom series will encourage students to glean wisdom from the past as they plan for the future. Each class in this self-improvement course includes: ✔︎ Brief introduction to historical figure ✔︎ Quotes from historical figures ✔︎ Group discussion ✔︎ Note-taking ✔︎ Goal-setting Each month, quotes from a different historical figure will be highlighted (see Syllabus). Also included in the syllabus is an overview of the topics and values that will be covered in each class, based on the quotes that will be read and discussed. Students should come to class eager to discuss each quote, take notes, and set goals. This is a great opportunity for students to: • learn more about history • practice social skills • increase in confidence • increase reading comprehension • improve public speaking skills Students will be encouraged to write in their notebook at least three meaningful quotes, as well as their insights gained from the group discussion. Time will be allotted at the end of each class for personal goal-setting, as students apply what they've learned in class to their own lives.

Content Considerations

The following classes contain quotes about sensitive topics: • Booker T. Washington (slavery, politics) • Viktor Frankl (war) • Frederick Douglass (slavery)

Syllabus

JANUARY Orison Swet Marden Topics and values: opportunities, play, excellence, goodness, purpose, God, duty, generosity, gratitude, self-confidence FEBRUARY Samuel Smiles Topics and values: work, truth, love, hope, play, self-control, character, home, consequences, mistakes, noble, obedience, submission, discipline, courage, wisdom MARCH Booker T. Washington Topics and values: success, service, slavery, politics, education, forgiveness, excellence, trust, responsibility, character, dignity, generosity APRIL Louisa May Alcott Topics and values: good books, courage, heart, learning, friendship, time management, conversation skills, contentment, work, words, self-control MAY Henry Van Dyke Topics and values: ife, service, love, purpose, goodness, honor, peace, tact, nature, habits, courage, strength, generosity JUNE C.S. Lewis Topics and values: persistence, example, courage, humility, divine nature, integrity, good and evil, influence, purpose, love JULY Viktor Frankl Topics and values: freedom, choice, meaning, work, purpose, light, happiness, humor, generosity, expectations, courage, love AUGUST Frederick Douglass Topics and values: struggle, freedom, education, kindness, reading, truth, prayer, honesty, virtuous, self-worth, work, nature, adversity, gratitude SEPTEMBER Charles Spurgeon Topics and values: prayer, grace, scripture, suffering, praise, fear, trust, God, strength in weakness, sympathy OCTOBER Oswald Chambers Topics and values: power of words, patience, spiritual maturity, adversity, solitude, God, discipleship, growth, obedience NOVEMBER Newell Dwight Hillis Topics and values: happiness, books, honesty, cheer, relax, leisure, health, victory over misfortune, God, hope DECEMBER Charles Dickens Topics and values: procrastination, cheer, action, connection, consequences, courage, nature, influence, listening, suffering, virtue and vice, gratitude

Supplies

📘 Notebook 🖊️ Pen