Christine Smith's Blog

Cato University

Back home in Colorado from a week in San Diego attending Cato University (the annual educational conference/seminar by the Cato Institute), and I feel great. It was a wonderfully enriching educational experience for me – the line-up of speakers/professors and authors and the political topics and history explored made it informative, thought-provoking, and clarified my understanding particularly in regards to issues relating to economics.  To listen to this number of scholars on the topic of the event, “Economic Crisis, War, and the Rise of the State,” was an intellectual treat.  But even beyond the lectures, learning continued as attendees visited amongst ourselves.

A major part of my decision to attend was knowing that Robert Higgs (of the Independent Institute) would be lecturing (he is one of my favorite authors & I always appreciate hearing him in person), so hearing all the other excellent speakers provided even more knowledge about areas of interest to me. 

In addition to the classes, the conversations with international students in attendance were also valuable as they provided a perspective on their nations one is usually not exposed to (offhand, I recall visiting with individuals from South Africa, Nigeria, China, Spain, Canada, Germany, Australia, & Chile). 

I met so many interesting individuals from across the United States, and most of us would just spontaneously leap into conversation about political issues whether we met on the walkways, dining, or festivities after each day’s lectures.  Ideas and discussions were abundant! 

What made the conversations interesting and unique was that it is so rare to be in a gathering of persons all of whom (for the most part) share the common premise of valuing liberty above all else.  Most of the time, in my life, I find myself listening then educating, debating, and hopefully persuading…but at Cato University I found myself listening (much!) and questioning, speculating, and exploring ideas and solutions with others.  It was some of the most intellectually stimulating conversation I’ve had in a long time. 

I intend to write a few future blog pieces abut aspects of Cato University I particularly appreciated, but right now am just resting (and getting back to work) from being away.  It is good to be back home, and on my return home I was greeted first by a beautiful large sunflower smiling at me as I entered the country road to my home.  In 8 days, much had changed as all the wildflowers are now in full bloom. 

Later I will write here about some of the speakers and topics from Cato University, but suffice to say now that it was a wonderful educational experience for one who values liberty.

Meanwhile, I invite you to visit the following Cato University webpages:

Description of this year’s Cato University – Economic Crisis, War, and the Rise of the State.

and 

Schedule–look at the lecture lineup.