Strauss at St John's (apr 12, 1970 – aug 21, 1973)
Description:
til his death in 73
According to Eva ("Higher Gossip"), Strauss came to St. John's after retiring at Chicago in order to be close to Jacob Klein at the end of his life. He was often at the Klein's house (as was Eva). "He was the soul of courtesy" (Eva). He may not have had an official position, but did give a course of lectures.
What attracted students? His immense learning and that "everything he said was interesting and unexpected...something that showed that things were more interesting and subtle than the student had imagined. And who wouldn't love that?" (Eva, Higher Gossip) He attracted a devoted clique around him, serious people who thought about things and thought they had finally found a teacher. Some laughed at this, but it was also understandable. He loved American students, though more attracted to the grads than the undergrads. Demeanor was more modest and quiet.
"They [Jasha and Strauss] were both convinced that really engaged reading of ancients was absolutely necessary beginning to understanding modernity and our own lives and that these texts were much more subtle than the classicists knew." (Eva, "HG")
Added to timeline:
Great Books Education
Date:
