Last year, Columbia University Press published Creating a Learning Society, a 680-page tome that advocates “a new approach” to social progress: promoting a culture of learning. Queens launched a “learning society” in 1988. A service to the community funded by donors and sponsorships, spring and fall lectures are delivered by scientists, journalists, business leaders, writers, political strategists, and statespeople of national renown. The cost of tickets has risen over the years as attendance has grown; the public lectures include a Q&A with the audience. Ordinary Charlotteans have had front-row seats to William F. Buckley, Jr., Carl Sagan, and Carly Fiorina. At the Knight Theater in February, author Michael Lewis spoke to a packed house.