WTAMU Launches New Great Book Series on Living Wisely

The series kicks off in February with a discussion of Isaac Bashevis Singer's "The Spinoza of Market Street"

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:55am

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West Texas A&M University is launching a new Great Book Series in February that will explore themes of living wisely. The series will be led by Dr. Laura Mueller, an assistant professor of philosophy, who will lead a discussion on Isaac Bashevis Singer's 1961 story "The Spinoza of Market Street." The story pokes fun at philosophers who devote their lives only to their studies, and prompts questions about how to live a truly wise life.

Why it matters

The Great Book Series is part of WTAMU's efforts to engage the local community in discussions around important philosophical and literary works. By exploring stories that challenge conventional notions of wisdom and the good life, the series aims to inspire deeper reflection on how to navigate life's complexities.

The details

The discussion of "The Spinoza of Market Street" will take place on February 10th at 7pm at Burrowing Owl Books in Amarillo's Wolflin Square. Dr. Mueller will lead the discussion and encourage the audience to explore themes around Baruch Spinoza, one of her favorite philosophers, and the story's central question of how to live wisely.

  • The Great Book Series discussion will take place on February 10, 2026 at 7pm.
  • The Burrowing Owl Poetry Circle will hold its monthly meeting on February 26, 2026 at 6pm.

The players

Dr. Laura Mueller

An assistant professor of philosophy at West Texas A&M University who will lead the discussion on "The Spinoza of Market Street."

Isaac Bashevis Singer

The author of the 1961 story "The Spinoza of Market Street" that will be the focus of the Great Book Series discussion.

Dr. Daniel Bloom

The organizer of the Great Books discussion series sponsored by WTAMU's Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages.

Dr. Pat Tyrer

The Jenny Lind Porter Professor of English at WTAMU who leads the monthly Burrowing Owl Poetry Circle.

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What they’re saying

“It's a story about a philosopher who tries very hard to be wise and tries very hard to live a philosophically rational life, a blessed life. And yet, he doesn't do a very good job of it, even if he thinks he does.”

— Dr. Laura Mueller, Assistant Professor of Philosophy

“I'm hoping the audience is ready to talk about Baruch Spinoza, one of my very favorite philosophers, and to ponder the questions Singer prompts: how do we live wisely, and who is the real fool?”

— Dr. Laura Mueller, Assistant Professor of Philosophy

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

By exploring stories that challenge conventional notions of wisdom and the good life, the Great Book Series aims to inspire deeper reflection on how to navigate life's complexities and live more meaningful, thoughtful lives.