Spencer Examines the Virtue of Contentment

Greg Spencer, Westmont professor of communication studies, talks about “The Quieter Virtues: Learning Contentment in an Age of Excess” in a free, public lecture Thursday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St. The lecture is part of Westmont Downtown: Conversations about Things that Matter, which is sponsored by the Westmont Foundation.

“Many forces today argue against the practice of contentment,” Spencer says, “such as advertising, ‘helping’ the economy recover, an individual’s desire to control circumstances — and perhaps also personal uncertainty about contentment itself.”

Spencer’s talk, based on a chapter of his new book, “Awakening the Quieter Virtues” (InterVarsity Press), explores whether contentment is desirable or just another word for complacency. “Why should I be content when there are so many problems facing our world?” Spencer asks. “Is worry the same thing as discontentment — and isn’t worrying simply a normal part of everyday life?”

The lecture will introduce the idea of “quieter virtues” and address the nature of contentment, its relationship to a media-saturated culture and ways to develop this quality.

Spencer, who has taught at Westmont since 1987, has authored two novels, “The Welkening” and “Guardian of the Veil.” He is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and earned a master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Oregon.

Seating is available on a first come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 565-6051.