Finding one’s way in life is said to be “taking a journey,” “following a path,” even occasionally “getting lost” to be found. Sometimes the path is called a “progress.” Other times it is described as a looping back and forth, a circle, the person returning to who they are, or “getting stuck” in who they are not.

In this course, we will explore great works of art to meditate on the stages of life’s way. The course will proceed as a journey through different “lands.” Each land has a fundamental feature: a land of ruin, a land of rain, a land of wind, and so on. The path is perilous and full of wonder. The features of each place inspire awe and fear and doubt and require courage. As ever, the course is dedicated to each student, in their own inward explorations, with the professor as a guide to what he cannot know but believes to be true.