The Enduring Legacy: The Gift of Truth
A Documentary Film on the Integral Program at St. Mary's College of California
In The Enduring Legacy, we go inside a small Great Books program in Moraga, California. The film captures a unique four-year journey of intellectual discovery, where students and tutors gather around a table to tackle original texts and master the art of the Socratic inquiry.
Professor Cortright reminds us that the great gift human beings give one another is "the gift of truth, which is a thing that cannot be diminished, cannot be lost, and can be infinitely shared."
Learn more about the Integral Program
The Program
At St. Mary’s College, the Integral Program replaces lectures and exams with a four-year, Socratic journey through 4,000 years of original texts. By ditching textbooks for direct dialogue, students don't just study history—they join a coherent, centuries-old conversation that transforms them into independent, critical thinkers.
Watch a short video (2 min.) about the Program
A Crucial Juncture
Having found my own voice through this program, I returned to film the Class of 2025 and the tutors—like Mike and Steve—who have guided these tables for four decades. But this legacy is under threat. In an age of machine learning, the art of Socratic inquiry is fading. This film is a testament to why we must keep the conversation alive.
Current Roadmap
Amazing Support
We’ve come so far! Thanks to the incredible support of over 150 donors, we have raised $17,000 toward our goal. We are now seeking the final $10,000 to bring this story to the screen. Your contribution—at any level—helps us cross the finish line.
The Work Underway
We have officially entered post-production, focusing on the final edit, professional color grading, and sound mixing. While I am pursuing competitive film grants to bolster our finishing funds, these awards often depend on the demonstrated strength of our individual donor base.
Title Sponsors & Donations
Celebrating a major milestone!
We have secured a prestigious title sponsor for our documentary, The Enduring Legacy. Antonia Galdos (Integral Class of 1990) and her husband, Brian Regan, have graciously agreed to join our quest and help bring this incredible story to the world.
I am once again overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. What started as a small spark of an idea is now on track to be completed as a short film this year!
As we build our community, I encourage you to sign up for regular updates and sneak peeks. There is also still time to make a donation to have your name or a dedication appear in the credits.
We have a lot of hard work ahead, but I am thrilled to see this story come to life. Please join me in thanking Antonia and Brian for their generous support. Let’s keep going!
Make a Direct Donation
You can support the film’s production directly through our fiscal sponsor, From The Heart Productions. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made via the Donate Now button or by check to: From the Heart Productions, Inc.
1013 Harbor Blvd #53
Oxnard, CA 93035
write the The Enduring Legacy in the Memo Line.
Share the Vision
Please share this with a fellow 'truth lover'—someone who believes, as we do, that the ability to 'think straight' is the most urgent skill of our time.