Wondering why the humanities matter? This UCLA professor thinks we might help save the world from our current strife through studying books, art, history, and music: "Humanists thus build humanity, one work of art at a time. In this function, the humanities are useful to individuals, to be sure, but indirectly: Rather than helping an individual to a more interesting and prosperous life, they first build a shared and — let’s call it "humane" — world in which such lives can subsequently find a place. It follows that cultures which do not teach the humanities to as many people as possible (or who adopt, for example, a narrowly nationalistic view of them) are inviting serious trouble; for continuation of the current dystopia is not the worst possibility before us." What do you think of his argument?
http://www.chronicle.com/article/How-Humanities-Can-Help-Fix/237955
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