Is Mortimer J. Adler A-List?
NoB
No — Mortimer J. Adler is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Ranking Timeline
1923F$0.01M
Columbia University Teaching
Adler begins teaching philosophy.
1952C▲▲$0.2M+$0.19M
Great Books Foundation
Promotes study of the Great Books.
1974B▲$1M+$0.8M
Encyclopædia Britannica Editor
Becomes chairman of board of editors.
1977B$2M+$1M
The Syntopicon
Synthesizes the Great Ideas
1990B$4M+$2M
Adler's Last Book
Final philosophical publication.
2001B$5M+$1M
Adler's Death
Adler passes away.
2026B$5M
Public intellectual legacy
Remembered for accessible philosophy.
Last updated: February 25, 2026