Curiosity. Dialogue. Discovery.
Imagine a campus where ideas spark, conversations thrive, ideas are challenged, and everyone—students, faculty, staff—feels free to speak up, listen, and learn from one another with open minds. That’s what Intellectual Vitality is all about at Harvard College.
Background Video of South asian countries and their people
What Is Intellectual Vitality?
It’s not just a phrase—it’s our commitment to a campus culture where curiosity is expected, tough questions are welcome, and diverse perspectives are the backbone of who we are.
At its heart, Intellectual Vitality is about keeping our minds open and our discussions real. It’s the thrill of debating big ideas (no matter how big or small) with rigor, the kindness of assuming the best in each other, and the courage to explore beyond our comfort zones.
Whether in the classroom, over a meal together, or during a late-night chat, we’re building a culture that celebrates honest inquiry and respectful disagreement. Because we believe that wrestling with ideas—together—is how we learn and grow.
Intellectual Vitality’s mission also relates closely to the work of several other initiatives and offices within Harvard College, for example, the Mattering Initiative through the Dean of Students Office, the critical role of the Peer Advising Fellows administered by the Advising Programs Office within the Office of Undergraduate Education, and the Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership through the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics.
Harvard’s Hierarchy of Needs
To make sense of its standing in relation to the work of these other groups, Intellectual Vitality envisions itself as part of a pyramidal relationship, partly modeled on Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. In this scheme, any civil discourse or Intellectual Vitality that might arise from Harvard is built on a foundation of social trust and shared culture. Supported by this base of common culture, community members are able to cultivate the intellectual virtues, which support a culture of Intellectual Vitality. Finally, and within a common culture steeped in the intellectual virtues, can civil discourse be employed to work through disagreements and differences of opinion found in the classroom, residential communities, and social clubs and organizations.
“[Intellectual vitality] is also a matter of what do we owe to one another? What do we expect of one another? Are we assuming someone’s best intentions?”
Ari Kohn ’26
Strengthening Intellectual Vitality through Visitas Debates
Harvard College students discuss their experiences with the Visitas Debate and how that contributes to Intellectual Vitality on campus.
Get Involved
Want to join the conversation? Reach out to anyone on the team to bring Intellectual Vitality to your student group, organization, or department.
Curious about the academic side? Reach out to Matthew Sohm at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning for academic questions, teaching tips, and pedagogical support.
