In this Quick Hits, Associate Professor of Politics Khalil Habib talks guitar, Gregorian chants, and baba ganoush. 

What’s your favorite Lebanese tradition involving food?

One of my favorite Lebanese traditions is eating Qurban, Holy Bread, which is distributed by a Catholic priest during Mass on religious holidays and on the 40-day anniversary of the passing of a family member.  Some of my favorite Lebanese foods are kafta, baba ganoush, Lebanese sausage, foul, and knafeh, which is a traditional Lebanese dessert made out of cheese and soaked with a sweet syrup called attar.

What is your favorite class to teach and why?

Impossible to say, as I love all my classes, especially any class focusing on philosophical literature and political philosophy. 

Who’s your favorite guitarist and why?

It’s really hard to say. I love jazz/fusion guitar, and I would say Alex Hutchings is a big favorite and major influence.  He is a melodic player with incredible technique and taste, and a great person and friend — I take lessons with him. I also like John Scofield, Julian Lage, and  Grant Green. Lately, I have been listening to Jack Ruch, a great and tasteful guitar player out of Nashville who blends jazz with blues to great effect. 

Do you have a favorite band?

Not so much anymore, as I am not really into bands. I prefer jazz, classical, Gregorian chants, and Middle Eastern music. 

What’s your favorite Charger athletic team? 

My graduate student Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team. 

What’s your best piece of advice for students?

Practice humility. Imitate Socrates and Jesus. 

What’s one fiction book students should read before they graduate?

The Divine Comedy.

If you had to choose between Plato or Aristotle, who would you pick and why? 

Impossible to say, as I am still working my way through them. I would be overjoyed if I could arrive at a point where I can distinguish them intelligently. 

Why should someone major in politics?

The study of politics is a study into the nature of man and the best regime suited for his development and flourishing. It is also a study of the political principles that shape our lives. Reflecting on those principles and their influence is an exercise into self-knowledge. 

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Easter. It is the most significant holiday in the history of Christendom.