5 Reasons To Read The Great Books In High School

From centuries of tradition and guided by the Catholic intellectual heritage, Subiaco's Great Books curriculum invites students to engage with some of the most important works ever written.

What are The Great Books?

Before we dive in, it is first important to define The Great Books. In short, they are a collection of enduring works in literature, philosophy, theology, science, history, and political thought that have shaped Western civilization. These texts address fundamental human questions about truth, justice, virtue, freedom, faith, and the meaning of life. They are studied not because they are old, but because they continue to provoke thought, invite dialogue, and reward deep reading across generations.

Below are five reasons why this approach matters more than ever.

1. Builds Cultural Literacy and Intellectual Depth

In the Benedictine spirit of conversatio, or lifelong conversion, students learn that the life of the mind is a path toward greater understanding of God and His creation. The Great Books introduce students to foundational ideas of Western civilization, many of which are deeply intertwined with the Catholic intellectual tradition. Works like The Holy Bible, Confessions by St Augustine, and The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri helps to illuminate our faith and culture. Reading them fosters a broad and informed worldview, grounded in history, theology, literature, and philosophy.

2. Sharpens Critical Thinking and Persuasive Writing

St Benedict valued clarity, discipline, and thoughtful speech and The Great Books demand that same approach. Students must interpret arguments, evaluate perspectives, and form reasoned responses, skills that mirror the Benedictine call to humility, dialogue, and careful discernment. Learning to write persuasively is not only a preparation for academic success, but also a tool that leads to faithful leadership and moral clarity in an increasingly complicated world.

3. Teaches Timeless Human Questions Through Timeless Texts

What does it mean to be just? What is truth? What is the purpose of suffering? These are not abstract academic questions. They are spiritual questions that speak to the heart of the human experience. The Great Books enters the reader into a centuries-old conversation about meaning, purpose, and the soul’s longing for God. 

4. Encourages Reflection on Virtue, Purpose, and Truth

In today's world, the faithful must consider not only what is useful, but what is good. Readers examine the lives of heroes and martyrs (The Acts of the Apostles), the downfall of the prideful (Macbeth by William Shakespeare), and the cost of integrity (The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky). These narratives provide moral exemplars and cautionary tales that guide students toward a virtuous life. In a Benedictine setting, where prayer, community, and service shape daily life, these lessons take on added significance. 

5. Prepares Students for College and Beyond

A formation in The Great Books equips students with the habits of intellectual rigor, self-examination, and spiritual depth. These qualities are essential not only in higher education, but in every vocation. Whether a student pursues medicine, ministry, business, or public service, he does so with a foundation built on faith and Benedictine values. He learns to think deeply, act justly, and lead with humility.