Thirty years ago, the historian Christopher Lasch traced the origins of our modern faith in progress in his considered-to-be magnum opus, The True and Only Heaven. Against claims of limitless spiritual and material improvement, he argues for the recognition and celebration of human finitude. Join us for a seminar with Richard John (History) for a study of nineteenth-century debates about how much progress was possible and ideal, as conflicts arose between labor and capital.

This week, we will be covering chapters 4-5 of Lasch’s The True and Only Heaven.