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."
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.
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.
The Final Push: Title Sponsors & Donations
We are seeking a Title Sponsor to join us at this pivotal stage. This is a rare opportunity to permanently associate your name, business, or the legacy of a loved one with the preservation of this unique educational tradition.
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.