Mortimer Adler was an American philosopher and educator who championed democratic access to ideas through his “Great Books” movement. A prolific author and editor, he co-founded the Encyclopaedia Britannica’s Great Books series and promoted Socratic dialogue in education. His work inspired critical thinking and lifelong learning. Adler’s belief in the power of ideas to build character continues to influence schools and individuals, reminding us that thoughtful engagement shapes better societies.
"Theories of love are found in the works of scientists, philosophers, and theologians."
"The telephone book is full of facts, but it doesn't contain a single idea."
"Conjugal love, or the friendship of spouses, can persist even after sexual desires have weakened, withered, and disappeared."
"One of the aims of sexual union is procreation - the creation by reproduction of an image of itself, of the union."
"When we ask for love, we don't ask others to be fair to us-but rather to care for us, to be considerate of us. There is a world of difference here between demanding justice... and begging or pleading for love."
"In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but how many can get through to you."
"Aristotle uses a mother's love for her child as the prime example of love or friendship."