"A teacher must believe in the value and interest of his subject as a doctor believes in health."
Gilbert Arthur Highet (1906–78)
Classicist
Faculty 1938-43, 1946-71
Born in Glasgow and educated at St. John's College, Oxford University, Gilbert Highet was said to embody "the best of the Scottish and Oxford traditions" in classical learning, which he imparted to generations of Columbia College students. Although he was not at Columbia when Humanities A was created, once he arrived Highet became an enthusiastic supporter of the course and of general education. He was the author of several books on classical literature, including The Classical Tradition: Greek and Roman Influences on Western Literature (1949). Highet won a reputation as a skilled popularizer of intellectual and academic topics, hosting his own radio program and serving as a judge for the Book-of-the-Month Club.
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