Saving civilization well may begin with eye contact, a tucked shirt, a sincere apology, or a held door. For the dispositions we have toward the little things truly train our sense of human dignity.

In his new book, The Apostolate of Courtesy, middle school Latin and language arts teacher Rob Greving follows in the footsteps of St. Francis de Sales. His book offers a defense of civility for the sake of the soul, followed by a practical guide to many of life's social situations. From table manners to small talk to handling interruptions, our manner affects the temper of the world. And "when I have courtesy," Mr. Greving writes, "I am not lowering myself but raising myself to the dignity of Christ."

2:10 Mr. Greving's influences

5:46 Courtesy and civilization

10:53 The medium of apologetics: us!

13:56 St. Francis de Sales: the gentleman saint

19:09 Manners at home

26:05 Handling interruptions well

31:24 Parents and teachers as the example

39:28 The art of apology

42:37 Courtesy in the classroom

The Apostolate of Courtesy: How to Save Souls and Change the World through the Power of Manners by Robert Greving

Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C. S. Lewis

Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior by George Washington

Manners: The Art of Happiness by Robert Greving

On Manners: The "ABCs" of Virtue featuring Colin Gleason

Enjoying Our Children and Why It's Important featuring Alvaro de Vicente

Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026)

Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026)

How have we allowed such a daring story as the American founding to become so flat? A history lesson so simple, tidy, and inevitable that it can be covered in one day's class?

Dr. Matthew Spalding, dean of Hillsdale's Van Andel Graduate School of Government, wants to revive the living story of the American founding—and the Declaration of Independence, in particular. Calling it our nation's "epic poem," he sees in this document as a layered poetic, philosophical, and practical work of the American Mind. This week on HeightsCast, Dr. Spalding invites educators (and everyday citizens) to understand our nation's founding as so much more than just "an Enlightenment experiment."

00:03:04 "The American Mind" in 1776
00:08:36 A better definition of patriotism
00:10:57 Declaration of Independence: our epic poem
00:14:43 How and why we teach history
00:16:36 Founding influences: more than the Enlightenment
00:21:46 The American synthesis
00:26:40 "Pursuit of happiness" in context
00:29:22 Why the founding narrative is mistold
00:38:06 New surprises in old studies
00:41:32 Finding common ground today

Dr. Matthew Spalding, Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government, Hillsdale College

The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence by Matthew Spalding

We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future by Matthew Spalding

The Founders' Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders, and Most Eloquent Words of the American Founding by Matthew Spalding

On the Importance of History, Part I featuring Dr. Matthew Spalding

Why Arguments Make History by Mark Grannis

Keeping the Story in History by Mark Grannis

Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026)

Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026)

Why tell the truth when it doesn't always pay? It's important to let boys encounter this question through example, literature, and enough freedom to wrestle with his own conscience.

In this rebroadcast of a 2017 talk, Head of Lower School Colin Gleason admits that you can't "teach" integrity with drills and facts. But you can create an environment that encourages it to develop. We have to push past consequentialism and avoid the adult instinct to root out the facts at any cost. Because the truth is a good and natural thing; the boy needs only to embrace it.

3:12 Dishonesty: from toddlers to adults

5:51 Examples of integrity

10:04 Defining integrity, and whether we can teach it

13:36 Getting past "consequence" ethics

22:14 Homes and schools where integrity can take root

24:47 Trust: the power of relationship

33:47 Freedom: their own initiative

38:37 Friendship: ready to guide and help

45:03 Dishonesty from fear, honesty from confidence

Jeremy Affeldt repaid the Giants $500,000 after clerical error, CBS Sports, May 15, 2013

"Sportsman" Roddick falls in Rome, The Seattle Times, May 6, 2005

The Truth Shall Set You Free by Alvaro de Vicente

Lying to Dumbledore: On Moral Consequentialism in Children's Literature featuring Joe Breslin and Tom Cox

Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026)