Philosophical Novel ‘Siddhartha’ in Spotlight for WT’s Great Books Series in December

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University's Great Books Series will continue in December with an iconic book about self-discovery.

Dr. Martin Jacobsen, associate professor of English in WT's Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages, will lead the discussion of Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha."

The Great Books discussion will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Burrowing Owl Books, 7406 Southwest 34th Ave., Suite 2B, in Amarillo.

"I chose 'Siddhartha' because as we follow the title character, we not only witness the hero's journey of self-discovery but also find an accessible primer for many concepts associated with non-Western philosophies, such as karma and samara, concepts often oversimplified or misrepresented in Western contexts," Jacobsen said.

Rereading the novel gave Jacobsen some welcome insight elsewhere in his life, too.

"The novel is also the basis for the lyrics to a song that I've been pondering for a long time-the progressive rock classic 'Close to the Edge' by Yes," Jacobsen said. "I think this rereading of the novel has clarified some of the song's meaning."

The discussion series-sponsored by the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities-is open to those who either have or haven't read the story, said organizer Dr. Daniel Bloom.

WT professors and guest lecturers lead the monthly Great Books discussions.

For information, email Bloom at [email protected].

The series is one way in which WT serves the region by offering engagement with a variety of literary and philosophical texts. Being a learner-centered university is a key principle of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

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