At a recent Principia Lifelong Learning (PLL) webinar in May, over 300 participants gathered on Zoom to hear from Principia College Incoming Interim Dean of Academics and former Chair of the History Department, Dr. Peter van Lidth de Jeude (C’04). The webinar was titled How Wars Escalate: What World War I Can Teach Us About Conflict in the 21st Century. “The point of history is not just to know the past; it is to know the past so we can understand the present and improve the future,” said van Lidth de Jeude at the beginning of the evening. “We need diplomacy. We need outreach. We need to talk to other people, bring them together, and have conversations. Because ultimately, we are all just people, and these divisions are false ones.”
Attendees of the event dove into the topic with fervor. “That was a terrific program,” said one attendee. “He is so in love with his subject and makes it utterly comprehensible. Thank you for having him as a speaker.” Another said of the event’s message, “I’m so grateful for all Principia is doing to educate citizens of the world to think peacefully and universally, unselfishly and lovingly; to be diplomatic debaters and moderators.”
“The best part of giving a PLL webinar is the opportunity to think differently about subjects I have already spent a lot of time thinking about,” says van Lidth de Jeude. “Creating a focused presentation helps me connect information in new ways. I learn at least as much as those watching the webinar.”
This summer, van Lidth de Jeude continues his partnership with Principia Lifelong Learning at Summer Session, where he will teach a course titled The Dawn of the Nuclear Age: Hiroshima and Nagasaki. And while the opportunity to talk about his passion is a huge perk of the job, what keeps van Lidth de Jeude coming back are the lifelong learners themselves. “Every Summer Session and PLL activity allows me to meet and talk with wonderful people who are interested, engaged, and engaging. I couldn’t ask for better students, and it makes it a true joy to be a part of these great activities.”
With a partnership this symbiotic, it’s no surprise van Lidth de Jeude is looking forward to participating in the 2026 PLL Dutch Waterways trip as a Trip Scholar. “I’m so excited to get to share information related to both my research areas—occupied Belgium during World War I and my Dutch heritage. My last trip with PLL was such a wonderful experience. I could not have asked for better company, and I’m so excited to meet and share this new experience with this next group and to share some of my passion for all the history we will see along the way.”
All year ’round, Principia alumni and friends prove that learning is a lifelong pursuit of passion and curiosity. And it can happen anywhere—on the waterways of the Netherlands, in a classroom on the College campus, or online with like-minded thinkers. Interested in joining in the fun? Sign up for Summer Session or, if you can’t make the trek, check out one of the online classes offered this summer. Who knows what you might learn or see along the way?