A new way to read the classics
The Great Library of Alexandria
To commemorate the birthday of Alexander the Great, we’re pleased to share the Great Library of Alexandria in digital form, free and accessible to everyone.
Originally located in Egypt, the Great Library of Alexandria was once a symbol for the power of knowledge and learning. Scholars gathered to engage, challenge, and build upon texts.
Alexander, who never lived to see the library, reportedly said, “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well”. His teacher was Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, often considered the founder of modern science.
As the world confronts the era of artificial intelligence, and wrestles with a new set of problems, the wisdom of the past can help navigate a way forward.
We’ve assembled the greatest texts from across the centuries. It’s our hope that the library will inspire an appreciation for the ideas that shape our world.
Now more than ever, I believe we could use the sensibilities of Steve Jobs. He fundamentally understood the intersection of technology and the humanities. He anticipated this moment years ago.
“…my hope is some day, when the next Aristotle is alive, we can capture the underlying world view of that Aristotle in a computer, and some day, some student will be able to not only read the words Aristotle wrote but ask Aristotle a question, and get an answer.”
I often imagine a conversation between Aristotle and Alexander, master and disciple. The way it would move. How it would feel. I can picture the setting, the temperament in the air. I hear the back and forth. I can taste the wonder.
I spent nearly two decades helping children learn. My first students are now my teachers. It’s a humbling experience. We’ve built Virgil, our AI companion, in this image: socratic, empathetic, conversational.
Virgil offers what we call, “dynamic personalization”. Always listening, learning together, building trust through the natural joy that comes from curiosity.
As an AI first library, we have developed a new way to read the classics. We call it, lightning mode. The idea is to read with intention, sentence by sentence. You can summon Virgil at anytime to ask a question or enjoy a guide.
While the history of philosophy may hold universal truths, we’re interested in helping you uncover what matters most.
We are all descendants of the greatness inside.
May we listen to our ancestors as they speak through us.
May a thousand Aristotles’ bloom.
