WVC lecture explores what Socrates and Buddha can teach us about living well

WENATCHEE — What can Socrates and Buddha teach us about living a good life today? Wenatchee Valley College professor Saxon Spillman will explore that question during a free public lecture on October 22.

“Ancient Philosophers: Socrates and Buddha,” the next installment of the WVC Speaks Lecture Series, begins at 6 p.m. in Grove Recital Hall in the Music and Art Center on the college’s Wenatchee campus.

Spillman will examine the two ancient thinkers through a contemporary, cross-cultural lens, exploring their ideas about living well and their lasting influence on society, according to the college. The presentation will consider how lessons from the past can help address present-day problems.

Spillman joined WVC’s humanities department in 2024. His academic background is in cross-cultural philosophy, with research interests that include Buddhist philosophy, emotion theory, non-classical logic and the philosophy and history of therapy.

He earned a master’s degree at the University of New Mexico and a bachelor’s degree at Southern Utah University. Originally from southeastern Idaho, Spillman enjoys skiing, climbing and spending time outdoors.

WVC Speaks began in 2015 and ran annually through 2019, bringing faculty, staff and students together to share perspectives across disciplines. The series returned during the 2025-26 academic year with a broader invitation for community members to learn and connect with the college.

More information is available at wvc.edu/wvc-speaks.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media