In 2029, the last of
the baby-boom generation will turn 65. Numbering in the tens of
millions, this age group clearly has the demographic muscle to
renovate society. The movement is barely underway, but the dynamics
of aging suggest profound social changes ahead: the search for
meaning will intensify, the psychological effects of death and dying
will be reexamined, the concept of legacy will be transformed, and
the subject of economic justice will be reexamined.
September
University as an idea is a metaphor for intellectual maturity. It
represents an ambitious quest on behalf of posterity.
September University, the book, is a call to action, a
social forecast, and above all a passionate pronouncement that a
bright future depends upon the experiential wisdom of aging
citizens. The exploration within its pages has the potential to
alter worldviews, heighten aspirations, and elicit reflections about
each person's legacy. Readers have the opportunity to discover new
ways to find meaning in the last few chapters of their lives.
"September University,
by leading scholar and visionary Charles Hayes, is a superb
intellectual achievement by any standards. With sweeping scope
and remarkable depth of knowledge across numerous disciplines,
Hayes addresses the totality of the human experience--along
with neglected questions surrounding life, death, freedom,
authenticity, and truth--as he paves the way for a genuinely
mature future in which citizens discover new degrees of potency
and thoughtfulness. Rather than shying away from idealism, September University sets out a bold and timely
blueprint for a post-consumer consciousness that is more
culturally aware, media literate, and politically astute. Hayes
delves with electrifying intelligence into the nature of
meaning, identity, and community as he weaves together a
comprehensive philosophy that enables people to transcend
evolutionary baggage, social indoctrination, and illusions of
limitation. September University is one of the
finest books in print when it comes to the wisdom and
existential bearings required to survive the current age of
insanity."
--John F.
Schumaker, author of Happiness:
Understanding an Endangered State of Mind, Wings of Illusion and The Age of Insanity
"This is an important work. Wisdom evolves from
real life experience and Charles Hayes has both. For those who
aspire to a better world, this is a must read."
--Peter
C. Whybrow, Director of the Semel
Institute for Human Behavior at UCLA
and author, American Mania: When
More is Not Enough
"September
University is a wonderful book. It is wise and
passionate and can teach us all about the rare art of growing
old."
--Sam Keen, philosopher
and author of Faces of the Enemy
"It's not too late to make your mark on the world and enjoy a
new level of fulfillment in your life. Charles Hayes will
inspire you to muster the courage to do it."
--Jeff Schmidt, author of
Disciplined Minds
"Engaging, convincing,
and provocative. Given the collapse of the future most adults
thought they had, and the involuntary mandate to shape a new
one, September University calls those in the
second half of life to step away from superficial things and
commit to becoming wise guides for the generations that come
after them."
--David L. Solie, MS, PA
Author, How to Say It to Seniors
"September
University is the first philosophy integrating the
university-without-walls and transformative learning - essential
reading for learning in the 21st century".
--Daniel S. Janik, MD PhD,
author of Unlock the Genius Within:
Neurobiological Trauma, Teaching, and Transformative Learning
"September
University is a nourishing feast of a book, replete with
reasons to discover new meaning and purpose in the last chapters
of your life, to welcome those years as life's most precious
gift -- an opportunity to cultivate wisdom and then put it to
use in the world."
--Walter Truett Anderson,
President Emeritus, World Academy of Art and Science
