Exploring worlds of meaning
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Seeking works of beauty
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Forging civil discourse
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Exploring worlds of meaning • Seeking works of beauty • Forging civil discourse •
Our Lens
When the clutter and noise fall from our minds, when inspiration stirs, when the muse speaks, then we settle to the depths. That’s where adventure begins.
Books & Bridges is a humanities forum of ideas and conversation that brings people together in a common quest. We explore the wisdoms of the world and apply them to modern life. We have no political, religious, or ideological affiliation. In a culture torn by discord, the muse and craft of the ages — literature, history, philosophy, poetry, theology, ethics — lift us to our better angels.
Civic spaces are shrinking. We tend to interact only with those who share our opinions. When’s the last time you had a deep discussion? Or listened to someone different than you? In our busy world we need room for friends and strangers to do more heart-to-heart and mind-to-mind.
Much of modern life plays out on surfaces. We can hardly avoid the screens, images, soundbites, and outrage. Our association provides a setting to refocus, embrace the profound, and discover your inner scholar.
This band of fellow learners aims to do what Edmund Burke envisioned long ago: strengthen society by loving “the little platoons” to which we belong.
Our mission
Create community around all things good, true, and beautiful.
Build friendship on common loves instead of common hates.
Connect minds through probing questions.
Elevate both reason and imagination.
Deepen the intellectual life of our culture.
Foster respect for human variety.
Stand outside passing political dramas.
Provide a trusted space to discuss ideas.
See each other more clearly.
Bridge the gap between past and present minds.
Practice literary diplomacy.
Who We Are
Books & Bridges is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that values the fellowship of philosophical exploration. With the love of wisdom comes a greater appreciation of people. We convene curious minds through online discussions, in-person gatherings, podcast conversations, and a writing platform. For those interested in a weightier discourse, we invite you to join the ride.
At a time of mounting cynicism, we choose to affirm truth and insight scattered across the globe. When the instinct to divide dominates public life, we prefer to build. There is far too much awe and inspiration in life to bother with outrage. Here we cultivate an ethic of generosity, a hermeneutics of fascination, an epistemology of humility. In so doing we move beyond the bind of partisanship.
Our Community
Over the years Books & Bridges has been blessed with a generous collaboration of partners, advisers, volunteers, bookstores, centers, scholars, donors, techies, viewers, editors, and contributors. We express our deep gratitude for this support. Your impact lasts.
Director Nathan Nielson founded this forum in 2017 and has enjoyed learning from countless brilliant people. He is a product of the St. John’s College Great Books master’s program and previously worked in the areas of Russian translation, communications, and public relations. As a writer, editor, analyst, and shaper of ideas, Nathan enjoys bringing unique minds together and seeing where the conversation can go.
The search for knowledge and inspiration puts people in proximity — folks talking with folks, asking questions and venturing answers. Such interaction is the glue of society.
