I can't deny your observations as a teacher of students, who lives directly within the reality of the academic. But I have found as a student that the teachers I have had in college and university, and including you on Youtube, are very passionate about what they teach. My own passion for literature would not be as nearly as strong without my basic education that I have received thus far. The theory classes I have been in and the creative writing classes as well, have been well-populated with students of some passion. I think education itself is important. Doubly so for the aspiring writer: as Eliot himself said that writer must know the canon!
When I was in school, incredibly dedicated, generous and gifted scholars and artists shared with us their passion and knowledge. I want the younger generation to have everything I experienced and more. Adam as usual, offers us some thoughtful and practical ways forward.
As AI capacities far surpass human work capacities we will need the humanities! What will be left for humans will require skills such as - courage, curiosity, adaptability, empathy, and wisdom- and these are developed within the humanities! What if humanities are the next “STEM” of higher ed?
While I agree with much of what you argue here I would argue that universities have always promised the possibility of future financial success. From the first medieval universities which trained men to be doctors and lawyers to the nobility or the Church, to the modern universities which welcomed in recipients of Pell Grants or the GI Bill. But I agree the profit motive has overwhelmed the other potential functions of the university.
Such a brilliant piece—increasing visibility of the humanities is so crucial! The humanities is only dead if we allow it to die
I can't deny your observations as a teacher of students, who lives directly within the reality of the academic. But I have found as a student that the teachers I have had in college and university, and including you on Youtube, are very passionate about what they teach. My own passion for literature would not be as nearly as strong without my basic education that I have received thus far. The theory classes I have been in and the creative writing classes as well, have been well-populated with students of some passion. I think education itself is important. Doubly so for the aspiring writer: as Eliot himself said that writer must know the canon!
When I was in school, incredibly dedicated, generous and gifted scholars and artists shared with us their passion and knowledge. I want the younger generation to have everything I experienced and more. Adam as usual, offers us some thoughtful and practical ways forward.
As AI capacities far surpass human work capacities we will need the humanities! What will be left for humans will require skills such as - courage, curiosity, adaptability, empathy, and wisdom- and these are developed within the humanities! What if humanities are the next “STEM” of higher ed?
Nicely said. Are there specific universities you would call out? Are there ones that do better?
While I agree with much of what you argue here I would argue that universities have always promised the possibility of future financial success. From the first medieval universities which trained men to be doctors and lawyers to the nobility or the Church, to the modern universities which welcomed in recipients of Pell Grants or the GI Bill. But I agree the profit motive has overwhelmed the other potential functions of the university.