Dear Friend,

One of the things I think about often: Which ideas should every student grapple with before they graduate?

That question is part of why our students read texts such as Aristotle, Adam Smith, Frederick Douglass, Tocqueville, the Federalist Papers, and the Bible as part of the core curriculum.

We think some questions are too important to avoid.

What is freedom for?

What do we owe one another?

How does a free people build prosperity?

What kind of society helps human beings flourish?

And honestly, those conversations feel even more important right now, especially as AI, technology, and constant distraction reshape the way we think and live.

So I wanted to ask you something.

If you could require every college freshman in America to study one specific book, historical text, or subject, what would it be?

Hit reply and let me know.

I’d love to hear your answer, and I’ll be reading every response personally.

Carlos Carvalho

President, UATX