Commentary | April 19, 2011

Discussion: was pondering the meaning of life part of your Harvard experience?

Were conversations about the meaning of life part of your Harvard experience? Should they be? Join our reader discussion.

In the May-June issue, Undergraduate columnist Madeleine Schwartz writes: "How should a person live? In my three years at Harvard, I feel I have rarely been asked the question." Schwartz finds that much as she would like to discuss these questions with her friends, there are few opportunities.

Were conversations about the meaning of life part of your Harvard experience? Do you think Harvard should do more to encourage such discussions?

Scroll down to see what other readers are saying and leave your own comment. (This discussion is moderated, so your comment may not appear immediately.)

You might also like

A smiling elderly man in glasses sits comfortably in a striped armchair.

Plus, veteran higher education leader Thomas Ehrlich reflects on university curricula for his 70th reunion

Two swans forming a heart shape with their necks, floating on water.

TKTKTKT Bunny Love Questionnaire

Tell us a story about the unique relationships between the animals in your life.

A man in a dark suit sits at a table in an elegant room with historical decor.

Making Waves with Philosophy

A conversation with Harvard professor Michael Sandel

Most popular

John Singleton Copley’s <i>A Boy with a Flying Squirrel,</i> 1765

Harvard art historian Jennifer Roberts teaches the value of immersive attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

Stone building with tall columns, steps leading up, and a flag atop under a cloudy sky.

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Caricature of a young man in front of red doors, wearing a green striped sweater.

Harvard History

In 1954, Gregory Corso moved into Eliot House. How he stayed there is a literary legend.

A busy classroom filled with students working at computers, colorful decor, and a bright atmosphere.

Technology

In 2004, a frenzy spread across Harvard Yard in days. Four billion users later, we are only just catching up.

A glowing bulb shape surrounded by colorful, swirling energy lines against a blue background.

Research

Harvard researchers achieve medical breakthroughs in cancer therapy and infection control.