We have wanted to publish a regular quarterly newsletter for some time now. We have even made a few attempts. (Montaigne would approve.) But organizations like Symposium Institute face a dilemma: should a newsletter economize information for its members, or should it offer long-form essays for leisurely enjoyment?
A mix of the two is an obvious compromise. A mix would fit the personalities of our Symposium members and seminar leaders (and even our Clickish-and-Clackish management team, Jason and Reynaldo). Some of us like to know what is happening and move on, and others linger in the details or the mystery.
I have always liked Mark Twain's way of describing the differences in human nature:
From the very start me and Tom allowed that there was somebody sick in the state-room next to ourn, because the meals was always toted in there by the waiters. By-and-by we asked about it—Tom did—and the waiter said it was a man, but he didn’t look sick…
It was always nuts for Tom Sawyer—a mystery was. If you’d lay out a mystery and a pie before me and him, you wouldn’t have to say take your choice; it was a thing that would regulate itself. Because in my nature I have always run to pie, whilst in his nature he has always run to mystery. People are made different. And it is the best way. Tom says to the waiter:
“What’s the man’s name?”
“Phillips.”
“Where’d he come aboard?”
“I think he got aboard at Elexandria, up on the Iowa line.”
“What do you reckon he’s a-playing?”
“I hain’t any notion—I never thought of it.”
I says to myself, here’s another one that runs to pie.
-- Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Detective
"So, it's settled," the keep-it-moving East-Coast half of our management team thinks. "Is it settled?" the reflective Bay Area half wonders. Thus we carry on in productive tension, honoring our different natures, different schedules, in pursuit of our shared interest in worthwhile books.
There is something here for everyone who loves to read -- in this newsletter and in the seminars too.
Please enjoy this first in a new series of newsletters from Symposium Institute.
What a Year! In 2026, Symposium Institute will have offered more than 60 online seminars for hundreds of regular readers. We operate on a small budget, funded by tuitions, plus a few generous donations every year. Our success this year has been due to shared efforts of many -- seminar leaders and participants alike, who contribute to the welcoming, pluralistic character of Symposium.
Navigating different personalities and challenging texts can take getting used to, but we do it, make it work. We function as reading community at a relatively high level, intellectually, socially, and with respect and honesty. We know that we're on to something good, and we are committed to carrying on and improving for another 20 years.
New seminar leaders Welcome Irfan Khawaja (leading Nabokov's Lolita), Tom Riordan (leading Zola's Germinal), and Patricia Hagen and Tom Zelman (leading Early Irish Literature).
Returning leaders A diverse group of personalities and styles, all skilled in leading discussions, we celebrate: Eric Stull (a polymath who leads mathematics, languages, Shakespeare and more), Esa Palosaari (of Finland, leading Euclid and Ptolemy with Eric), Miryam Bujanda (leading a seminar on Sor Juana Ines & Benito Feijoo), Christian Blood (a popular leader of Homer's Iliad, people even return for a second run), Jeff Johnston (jazz pianist and medievalist, offers seminars on J.S. Bach and early jazz musicians), Randy Wootton (and his team, will shepherd a series on James Joyce, beginning with Dubliners), and of course, Jason and Reynaldo lead a few new offerings.
Long-Form Essays This quarter, enjoy three essays on Platonic dialogues written by members of the Symposium community, and one personal essay by Reynaldo Miranda-Zúñiga (the reflective one). Website links here.
In Memoriam The Symposium community mourns the recent death of Michael St. James, a great-souled man and long-time participant in Symposium seminars. Read the obituary for Michael in the SF Chronicle.
Some lawyers read books Did you know that Symposium attracts the literate sector of the legal profession? Lawyers, do you find some of your colleagues dull and unimaginative? If you join us for our great books seminars, you'll be in the good company of several thoughtful, articulate, and relatively modest, legal minds who crave reading something a bit more lively than statutes. And to others we say, don't let this fact deter you. Take up the challenge by recruiting your mathematical, poetic, artistic, and musical friends to counter-balance our analytical tendencies. "And it is the best way."
Celebrating 20 years We are considering how to celebrate our 20 year anniversary this year. Perhaps an online party in December... someday, a live event. Many of us don't tend to drink during regular seminar sessions, but this would be an occasion for libations and stories.
Planning for January 2027 Do you have an idea for a seminar? We are now planning for next year. Let us know what you think by filling out this no-frills Google form: Survey
