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In Defense of a Liberal Education

208 pages, 2015

philosophy

philosophy

711 books
history

history

999 books
economics & politics

economics & politics

987 books
Takeaways
Description

The liberal arts are under attack. The governors of Florida, Texas, and North Carolina have all pledged that they will not spend taxpayer money subsidizing the liberal arts. They seem to have an unlikely ally in President Obama.

While at a General Electric plant in early 2014, Obama remarked, "I promise you, folks can make a lot more, potentially, with skilled manufacturing or the trades than they might with an art history degree." These messages are hitting home: majors like English and history, once very popular and highly respected, are in steep decline.

"I get it," writes Fareed Zakaria, recalling the atmosphere in India where he grew up, which was even more obsessed with getting a skills-based education. However, the CNN host and best-selling author explain why this widely held view is mistaken and shortsighted.

Zakaria eloquently expounds on the virtues of a liberal arts education―how to write clearly, how to express yourself convincingly, and how to think analytically. He turns our leaders' vocational argument on its head. American routine manufacturing jobs continue to get automated or outsourced, and specific vocational knowledge is often outdated within a few years.

Engineering is a great profession, but key value-added skills you will also need are creativity, lateral thinking, design, communication, storytelling, and, more than anything, the ability to continually learn and enjoy learning―precisely the gifts of a liberal education.

Zakaria argues that technology is transforming education, opening up access to the best courses and classes in a vast variety of subjects for millions around the world. We are at the dawn of the greatest expansion of the idea of liberal education in human history.

The Value of a Liberal Education

In his book, Fareed Zakaria emphasizes the importance of a liberal education. He argues that it provides a broad knowledge base that can help individuals adapt to a rapidly changing world. It's not just about learning facts, but also about understanding how to think critically and solve problems.

The Power of Critical Thinking

Zakaria believes that a liberal education fosters critical thinking skills. He suggests that these skills are more important than ever in today's information-saturated society. So, if you're looking to improve your ability to analyze information and make informed decisions, you might want to check out this book.

The Importance of Creativity

In Defense of a Liberal Education also explores the role of creativity in education. Zakaria argues that a liberal education encourages creativity and innovation, which are key to success in the modern economy. If you're interested in fostering your creative side, this book could provide some valuable insights.

The Role of Humanities

Zakaria defends the role of humanities in education. He argues that studying subjects like literature, philosophy, and history can provide a deeper understanding of the human experience. If you've ever wondered why we should study the humanities, this book provides some compelling arguments.

The Future of Education

Finally, Zakaria looks into the future of education. He suggests that a liberal education will continue to be valuable in a world where technology is rapidly changing the job market. If you're curious about the future of education, you might find this book interesting.

Quotes 3

Zakaria's book is a compelling argument for why a liberal education matters more than ever.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

Zakaria's book is a powerful defense of a liberal education, which he argues is more necessary now than ever.

David BrooksDavid Brooks - Political commentator

Zakaria's book is a passionate and persuasive defense of the importance of a broad, liberal education in the modern world.

Walter IsaacsonWalter Isaacson - Biographer, Journalist
Bill GatesDavid BrooksWalter Isaacson

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