Views from the White House: How Presidents Use the Humanities to Govern

Event Details

“I think nothing equals Macbeth,” Abraham Lincoln once wrote. The humanities — drama, literature, history, philosophy, and the other liberal arts — have long provided wisdom to American presidents as they work to address national and international crises. Featuring EDWARD AYERS, ANNETTE GORDON-REED, SIDNEY MILKIS, and moderated by BRIAN BALOGH, this panel will consider how individual presidents drew upon particular literary, artistic, scriptural, or rhetorical sources for inspiration, guidance, and solace. How did presidents turn to the humanities to help guide the nation, heal its wounds, set new directions, and mobilize people in times of crisis?

A book signing will follow this panel.

This event is part of the University's celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Endowment for the Humanities, taking place September 14-17, 2016 at various venues around Charlottesville. Sponsored by the University of Virginia, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this celebration will feature lectures, panel discussions, performances, film screenings, interviews, and art exhibits by scholars, writers, artists, cultural experts, and more. All events are free and open to the public.