The founders of the National Humanities Center shared a conviction that the humanities embody the historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts in which we live as individuals, communities, and nations. They believed that we turn to the record of the past, the great achievements of literature and the arts, and the enduring insights of philosophical, moral, and religious thought in order to attain a more profound understanding of the human condition. In pursuit of this goal, the National Humanities Center is guided by the following principles:

EXCELLENCE The Center identifies outstanding individuals from all fields of the humanities. It encourages those whose work displays a commitment to assiduous research, intellectual fairness, respect for evidence, logical argument, and clear expression. The excellence of the individual scholar is fundamental to the Center.

COMMUNITY The Center creates an intellectual community of the best scholars in order that the vigorous exchange of ideas might strengthen the work of all. It provides a forum where individuals engage as colleagues, freely present their own views, and refine their assumptions through the continual examination of one another's thought. The Center's community of scholars rests upon a foundation of civility and mutual respect.

RESPONSIBILITY The Center provides a distinctive environment for humanistic inquiry in the belief that excellent scholarship not only increases knowledge and strengthens teaching, but also informs public discourse and thereby elevates our national vision. The Center endeavors to extend the influence of the humanities as widely as possible.

National Humanities Center Report 1997-1998 Report from Director | Work of Fellows | Statistics | Books | Staff | Board of Trustees | Financial Statement | Supporting the Center