How should we live? This course delves into this profound question by exploring the lives of influential religious figures in 20th-century America who successfully communicated their visions to the wider public. Each week, we will examine how a historical figure or organization employed various mediums, such as writing, speaking, demonstrations, and organizing, to shift attitudes and inspire generations of Americans to embrace their shared vision of a meaningful, shared life. We will conclude by exploring what these enduring religious and ethical principles demand of us today. The course will aim to gain insights into the path forward and help us to answer the timeless question: How should we live?
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
How should we live? This course delves into this profound question by exploring the lives of influential religious figures in 20th-century America who successfully communicated their visions to the wider public. Each week, we will examine how a historical figure or organization employed various mediums, such as writing, speaking, demonstrations, and organizing, to shift attitudes and inspire generations of Americans to embrace their shared vision of a meaningful, shared life. We will conclude by exploring what these enduring religious and ethical principles demand of us today. The course will aim to gain insights into the path forward and help us to answer the timeless question: How should we live?
Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.