the seminal authors

In the field of education—especially in one’s spiritual formation—it is crucial to identify those authors with whom one resonates, whose writings speak clearly to him and contribute meaningfully to his inner development. Today, we are surrounded by a multitude—perhaps an overabundance—of authors. That is why, early on in the journey of spiritual growth, a person must resist the temptation to read celebrated authors merely for the sake of his own image. Instead, he should have the courage to follow those thinkers who have profoundly shaped the course of human flourishing.

In this endeavor, I will begin by introducing some of the greatest minds of humanity—starting with modern authors who can serve as bridges to understanding the classical Greeks and Latins. The ancients wrote in a style markedly different from ours, and the insights of more recent thinkers can help us engage their works more fruitfully.

It would be an oversimplification to reduce the contribution of these great minds to just a few pages. My goal is not to summarize them exhaustively, but to name them and to encourage the reader to approach their works with patience and resolve. These authors are accessible—provided a person is committed to the lifelong pursuit of becoming a better human being. With perseverance, any serious reader can learn to engage with their writings personally, forming his own opinions and eventually articulating their insights in his own words.