Charles Schmidtke, PhD, professor emeritus, recently published a book, titled My I’s: Isms, Ignorance, Interrelationships and Insights.
The phrase “An unexamined life is not worth living” is a truism that became a guide for Schmidtke’s journey of self-reflection. His book is a unique mashup of memoir combined with philosophical reflections on life, cast within the topics of race, religion, gender, generations, and grief.
In an exploration that spans decades, he tells of encounters with Jim Crow, journeys through religious transformation, shifts from a male dominant lifestyle to a more balanced view of gender roles, wanders through generations, confronts profound tragedies, deaths, and grief, and encounters those who have blessed his life in ordinary as well as extraordinary ways. He looks specifically at the isms he himself has confronted, along with the all-around ignorance that has pervaded these experiences.
This highly personal narrative reflects how his attitude, language, and behavior have changed and become more inclusive, tolerant, and accepting. His stories range from light-hearted to serious and from amusing to introspective.
Congratulations on the publication!
Submitted by: College Communications
