John Lachs

The love affair of Western society with technology has reinforced its tendency to optimism. We believe that unhappiness is a curable condition and the application of intelligence will solve every problem. We employ a large number of scientists to discover how the world operates and, if necessary, to devise ways to correct it. Our self-confidence is so momentous that some researchers have recently declared aging to be a disease.

by Seth Robertson Apr. 2, 2021, 8:00 AM John Lachs, Centennial Professor of Philosophy (Vanderbilt University) Centennial Professor of Philosophy John Lachs will retire and receive emeritus status on Aug. 15, after more than 50 years of teaching at Vanderbilt University. Lachs’ thought-provoking lectures have been perennial favorites among not only students but also many alumni, who eagerly have signed up for his many appearances at Reunion and Vanderbilt Chapter events.

British writer, actor, comedian, and self-described ‘tall person’ John Cleese will speak at Vanderbilt University’s Sarratt Cinema Saturday, Nov. 11. Cleese, whose iconic films include Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, will address “Thinking Creatively” during the one-hour event, which begins at noon. “We are delighted to welcome to campus one of the world’s top performers, whose credits include some of the best comedies ever made, said David Wood, W.