Why we need the humanities

In an excellent editorial for the New York Times, David Brooks addresses the decline in the study of the humanities.  As the economy suffers students opt for technical and scientific degrees – degrees that have more marketability in a difficult economy.  Brooks warns that this trend results in a loss of understanding of our collective humanity.  By failing to study English, literature, history, and art we fail to gain an understanding of who we are and why we do the things we do.  We lose those essential points of reference that give greater meaning to the human experience and story.  Definitely worth a read!

History for Dollars by David Brooks