Great Books Club

New members welcome. There are no dues, and each participant provides his own texts. The sole requirement for participation is a willingness to observe the following rules as provided by the Great Books Foundation:
No one who has not read the book may take part in the discussion
Discuss only the work assigned for the meeting or works discussed at previous meetings
Do not introduce outside authorities or sources
Discussion leaders ask questions without introducing their own opinions

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Having never participated in a “book club”, what is this rule all about?
I have to think a discussion of a particular text, especially a classic (e.g. Homer’s Odyssey) would naturally bring the opinions of past debates, some of which are likely famous and/or published. I can see not wanting to get bogged down in debate of past works on the topic, rather than the topic itself, but wouldn’t you want someone to say “Don Juan stated, in his opinion essay “The Works of Homer - 1904” that one should read The Iliad prior to The Odyssey because of the background it provides.” I disagree. I think {blah blah yackity smack}"?