Kevin H. Gary

The Good Life

What is the good life? Drawing on Aristotle, Plato, Confucius, the Gospels, and other classical resources this talk examines the foundational virtues that constitute human flourishing. More than pleasure, work, or simply being useful, human flourishing requires changes in how we think, act, and feel. This talk examines practices for how to live well.

Finding Meaning And Purpose

This talk analyzes the problem of boredom. While many of us are adept at avoiding boredom, we often, without realizing it, live lives characterized as an endless stream of boredom avoidance. In contrast to the bored state and boredom avoidance, I consider how we might cultivate restorative forms of leisure, which encompass meaningful ways of living and engaging with the world.

Awakening Student Engagement

Pitched especially for middle and high school teachers, this talk diagnoses the problems associated with boredom, boredom avoidance, and student disengagement. I then offer a framework for increasing student engagement, moving from boredom avoidance to practicing restorative forms of leisure.

Cultivating Resilience And Hope

Burnout is a real and growing problem across the workforce, especially for teachers. Even more problematic is “burn-in.”–teachers who stay on the job but are no longer inspired. Rather than being a source of joy and meaning, teaching can become “just a job,” or worse, drudgery. This talk examines the causes of burnout and burn-in and provides steps for how to resist both. It aims to re-inspire the wonder, awe, and joy that led us to pursue the vocation to teach.

Your Custom Topic

Interested in a particular topic that’s not listed here? Please contact me and we can discuss how I can design a talk for your specific audience.