Comenius Scholar Highlight: Jake Welton '26

The Comenius Independent Study Program offers Merle-Smith Campus sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to pursue their interests through self-directed research and creative work, showcasing critical thinking, curiosity, and a passion for learning within the Moravian Academy community.

In his Comenius Project, Jake Welton '26 explored the concept of eros, or love and desire, through a comparative analysis of Sappho’s poetry and Plato’s Symposium and Laws. Through his research, he examined the different ways these works define and explore eros while considering how, as Athenian democracy expanded, the idea of an acceptable eros narrowed.

His work analyzed how literature and philosophy reflected changing cultural values in ancient Athens. By comparing these texts, he explored how different perspectives on eros evolved and how social and political changes influenced the way love and desire were understood in the ancient world.

Throughout the project, Jake engaged with complex literary and philosophical texts, refining his analysis through discussions with his faculty advisor. His research demonstrated curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the relationship between ideas, society, and culture in ancient Greece.