In this podcast we consider the question: What does it mean to be cultured? Chelsia explains that although we are all cultured by the people, places, things, and experiences we encounter, to be cultured in the classic sense means something more—that is, to possess elevated manners, refined tastes,  well-rounded knowledge, and a strong sense of historical centredness. She emphasizes that each of these characteristics must be tied to strong character, explains why curiosity is one of the most important traits of a cultured person, and digs deep into why we need to accept, appreciate, and safeguard the  cultural legacies we've inherited.

Key quotes:

"Although culture has shifted, what it means to be cultured has largely remained the same. It continues to describe individuals who exhibit elevated manners, refined tastes, and a well-rounded education—those who are connoisseurs of the world and who readily engage in the richness it offers."

"To be cultured is to be centred in the past, aware of the nuanced reality of the cultural heritage upon which you stand, and regarding history with appreciation and charitable criticism without condemnation."

"To be 'cultured' without character is simply to be a snob." 

"Expensive taste that lacks refinement is merely gauche, and sophistication needn’t be costly. To have cultured taste is to conscientiously curate, evaluate, and appreciate what one consumes."
 
"To have cultured taste is to be a connoisseur of the finer things in life, without becoming a critic of everything else; it is a posture of appreciation and delight for that which is good, true, and beautiful."
 
"Curiosity, not obligation, cultivates the breadth of knowledge possessed by those who are cultured."

"For that is the mark of being cultured: to accept, appreciate, and treasure culture until one is able to pass it down, intact if not improved, to those who come after them. It is to recognize that they are but one link in a long chain of history, and to accept that although culture is their birthright, it is not personal property but a heritage of humanity. What has been bequeathed must be safeguarded so that what has been safeguarded may be passed down."
 
" To be cultured in the manner I have described above is to live well—to show greatness of soul towards others and towards yourself; to find delight in that which has been deemed most beautiful and noble by the democracy of mankind; to be ever curious, ever exploring, ever learning; to safeguard the historical legacy that has been passed down to us and, with humility and courage, to bequeath it to those who will come after."

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