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.)

 

Related topics

You might also like

Making Waves with Philosophy

A conversation with Harvard professor Michael Sandel

For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice

A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.

Your Views on Conservatism on Campus, Doxxing, and More

Readers write in about international students at Harvard, the September-October cover, and changes at the Chan School of Public Health.

Most popular

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Mark Carney on the Limits of Soft Power

At the 2026 Davos summit, the Canadian prime minister echoes Harvard’s Joseph Nye.

Harvard art historian Jennifer Roberts teaches the value of immersive attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

Explore More From Current Issue

A man skiing intensely in the snow, with two spectators in the background.

Introductions: Dan Cnossen

A conversation with the former Navy SEAL and gold-medal-winning Paralympic skier

Lawrence H. Summers, looking serious while speaking at a podium with a microphone.

Harvard in the News

Grade inflation, Epstein files fallout, University database breach 

A girl sits at a desk, flanked by colorful, stylized figures, evoking a whimsical, surreal atmosphere.

The Trouble with Sidechat

No one feels responsible for what happens on Harvard’s anonymous social media app.