I appreciated how carefully you avoided placing the Humanities above other fields, and at the same time, I felt a little tension there that intrigued me. I wonder if part of the discomfort people have with the Humanities comes from how hard they are to measure. You can’t easily quantify how a novel changes someone, or how philosophy reshapes a moral reflex.
There’s something unsettling about that in systems built on metrics and outcomes. Maybe the Humanities don’t compete with career courses because they aren’t playing the same game at all. They’re working on a different timeline, one that shows up years later in how someone listens, votes, loves, or pauses before reacting. I’m curious how you think about that invisible influence, the kind that never makes it into course evaluations.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, and I'm so glad you posed the issue of how we can measure how much students learn through the Humanities.
Although I do believe that the Humanities is no more important than any other fields, the tension you feel is definitely there. This is because so many people at the university -- students and faculty alike -- believed that the courses that would help students reach their career goals were useful and the Humanities were not worth the effort, even though these general education courses were also necessary to graduate.
Your point about the Humanities operating on a different timeline than career courses is so true. I often have heard from students years later about how much they appreciated a reading or an art piece. Still, I have no real data to prove that the Humanities far and wide have changed students for the better or made them more tolerant.
To be honest, I might never have written about this topic here, except for one thing: I keep going over in my mind why so many people today refuse to think or cannot think critically about many topics that afflict our society and the world at large, and why so many people lack tolerance and empathy. And although I have no proof, I highly suspect that many individuals don't value the powerful lessons taught by literature, philosophy, and history, for example.
Anyway, for what it's worth, that's my perspective.😃
Beth, I really like how you frame literature and art as companions to science and professional training rather than competitors. The example of Othello is especially powerful, and your daughter’s artwork feels like the perfect embodiment of that balance. Thank you for articulating this so beautifully and for reminding us that education is about becoming human, not just employable.
I so appreciate your thoughtful comment. I believe education is at its best when it's a balance of the Humanities and other disciplines. It's really a perfect pairing. Education has so many aspects, and it seems that combining all these aspects makes for a wonderfully balanced education.
I don't know why people so often create these hierarchies - giving more value to one thing over another. I remember hearing all those comments in college and when my own kids attended as well. The Humanities is not fluff or of lesser importance. As a former elem teacher, I've often thought how those school years are the epitomy of Humanities learning, blended in, of course, with the basics courses of math, science, etc. These days, it deeply saddens me whenever I hear about art, music, theater or other fine arts courses being eliminated because they are deemed to be not as important.
"Art of all kinds – including music, literature, writing, visual art, film, and dance – is vital in helping people understand the voices and echoes of the human experience." That says it so well. Sadly, the first thought that popped into my mind was how our present administration does not value all voices. Diversity isn't the goal, nor is understanding of the human experience. Makes me so angry, so enough about that.
I absolutely love Arielle's painting. How wonderful she has these two very different interests. This is in large part because of you as you have been, and still are, her primary role model. I cannot wait to hear where her future leads. Please thank her for allowing you to share her art with us.
Another beautiful reflection, my friend. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. People who teach at the elementary level are forming the important foundation for learning for these kids' futures. And you are right when you say, "...I've often thought how those school years are the epitomy of Humanities learning, blended in, of course, with the basics courses of math, science, etc."
You are right: just like the universe has room for all kinds of writers and artists, it also has room for all types of disciplines. All the subjects are so vital to educate our young ones, to give them a feel for the importance of what they are studying.
And I completely agree about how our administration cutting all these important programs. I am livid that music and diverse voices are not valued by this administration. Frankly, I think if voters were more educated in the importance of diverse voices and the value of the Humanities, they might have voted differently. Programs being cut hurts me to the very core.
Thank you for your kind words about Arielle's painting. I will thank her for sharing her art. She is very much a science person. I've tried to introduce the idea of illustrating science textbooks as part of her career, but she either is not interested, or she lacks confidence in her own abilities. I suspect it's a little of both.
I agree…no subject is more important than another, respecting the important part they each play creates a balanced view of the huge scope of the human experience. Beautiful watercolor 🥰
What you say is true: all subjects are important. It's really not a competition. Instead, each subject complements the others. I appreciate your kind words about my daughter's watercolor. She's a better artist than me, for sure.
I didn’t know you spent so much time teaching humanities. That is wonderful and I agree with you. 100% I wish I would’ve had more time with a variety of courses as yes it does help to shape us to live a more meaningful life and to deal with The variety of experience we encounter. I love how you speak of inclusion.
Your daughters artwork is gorgeous. How wonderful to have a foot or a paintbrush in both worlds science and art. I imagine she is a very well-rounded human being.
Yes, I taught for over 25 years. I also tried to convey to my students the ideas of inclusion, and we had visits from all sorts of poets and other writers, as well as exposure to artists of varying backgrounds and cultures.
Yes, my daughter is in the world of science and the world of art. I hope she continues to love both as she enters college and the world at large.
I love that you're preaching to the choir (and I mean me!) with this beautifully written essay Beth! Like you, I spent the best years of my teaching career getting students motivated to engage themselves fully with their lives through the Humanities--I can think of no better pursuit! As you say, "The Humanities teaches the essence and universality of the human condition and life lessons through critical thinking. Through the Humanities, people can better understand the world and their place in it." Empathy and compassion are two powerful tools that emerge from one's immersion in the plight of others--what must it feel like to . . . That's what we as educaters always hope to accomplish. To introduce our students to other ways of thinking and feeling and to see that there is much work to be done in the world--even if it's only to raise their one singular voice--it matters! Thank you for this wonderful posting Beth!
Thank you for your kind, thoughtful comment. And thank you for pointing out empathy and compassion in giving students the insight to care about people who are not like themselves. It's all about empathy and compassion, which breeds tolerance.
Unfortunately, these days in the United States, there is very little empathy and compassion. I am praying we get these qualities back. This proves, as you say, that so much still needs to be done in the world.
And I'm glad to be preaching to the choir about this vital subject. All I can do is give my thoughts on this topic, which is near and dear to both of our hearts.
I so resonate with this, Beth. The humanities are the foundation of my YA Edge of Yesterday time travel series--even though my young STEMinista Charley's path is ostensibly around STEM and STEAM learning, her goal in "hacking time" is to learn from those polymaths in history whose gifts, starting with the OG Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci, led them to master---everything: art, science, history, language, engineering, music, and. . .and. . .and. . ..
I have written extensively about these polymaths in history who were busy inventing the future--which is Charley's goal too. On my interactive "learning through story web platform at https://edgeofyesterday.com, created, in large part, by my high school and college interns over the years, there is a Time Travelers portal. Inside that portal are articles of their creation that by design, mash up at least two disciplines, and often many more.
All of my research and work with young people has lead me to a modern definition of MASTERY: Because the MASTERS knew that science and art, and chemistry and language, are not separate disciplines. They are all connected. I feel this is a lesson we have forgotten in our culture where specialization and single-minded focus have driven us into ever narrower stovepipes.
As jobs and specialists are being wiped out by automation, we no longer have that luxury. We need generalists--and people who can learn to learn and innovate across disciplines.
I love when you say, "Because the MASTERS knew that science and art, and chemistry and language, are not separate disciplines. They are all connected." So very true. Your point of our becoming more of a specialist society is also on point.
Renaissance people in this day and age are more rare than in the past, but they still can be found if we look for them. But too many people nowadays simply dismiss one discipline over another in favor of what they perceive as important.
I will check out your links as soon as I am able. Thank you so much for your comment.
I agree, we all need to learn and appreciate all subjects to be a whole human. I used to volunteer to teach ‘art literacy’ at my kids schools and I think it should be a necessary part of the curriculum. It’s not about teaching technical art skills. It’s about having a better understanding of human life: how others live and work and see the world around them.
Wow. Teaching art literacy must have been enjoyable. It's so vital that people do understand how different people perceive the world. Every single person on Earth is unique, and we learn tolerance by attempting to understand each other.
Thank you for sharing your experience showing others art literacy. I really enjoyed reading about this.
Art Literacy was enjoyable and I learned a lot of art history, too. One teacher took exception to a picture of a man in a river without a shirt on and took the slide out. It was a classic painter(can’t remember who now) and male figure was supposed to be Jesus. All the other teachers were fine with it. so??
I happen to love art history! I took a couple of art history classes in college and learned so much.
Regarding your teacher not liking that picture, I think art is in the eye of the beholder. The fact that the other teachers happened to be OK with it is interesting. I've known some people who didn't like a particular piece of art for whatever reason. As much as many can agree what constitutes great art, there's also much disagreement, too. Ugh.
Such true and important words Beth - yes all children need to learn those subjects that would gain them a foothold in a career in business, technology or engineering for instance, not to mention the services such as health or legal. However, it's so important to learn about the creative world around us by studying Humanities, and there are those brilliant souls who do make a career within the arts and culture but just aren't suited to the more formal lines of study. So making them available to all is something I'm a strong believer in.
For myself I went to a very academic school full of high achievers, and whilst I passed all the exams that were expected of me, I was more suited to the creative studies. When I asked to study Art, History of Art and English Lit for my A levels I was told there was no future in it! It certainly didn't make my education enjoyable, which is also another benefit of giving young people today a more rounded education. Students who enjoy attending a wider variety of classes will give and gain more. Sure, as a result of my education I had a successful business career, but I was unhappy and unfulfilled, eventually burning out. I turned to studying photography and retraining as a therapist, a career that served me well until my retirement this year and allowed me the space to develop the creative soul within.
I love your daughter's painting Beth, she has quite a talent, I do hope she manages to find balance when she steps out in her chosen career and finds time to continue developing her artistic skills. Thank you for sharing this important topic. 😊
I'm sorry that your education was made less enjoyable because of people telling you that there was no future in these important classes. I agree that every class is important, and thank you for pointing out the health and legal fields, as well.
What you said here is so true: "Students who enjoy attending a wider variety of classes will give and gain more." It is the variety of classes that truly lead to a quality education.
In school, I had a passion to be an English major, and so I did, to the complaints of my advisors that there would be no career for me. But I did land into a career as a technical and business writer for a huge corporation. Like you having a successful business career, but not so happy, I was unhappy in the corporate business world. I was missing creativity.
I'm so glad you received retraining to become a therapist; I'm sure you were a talented one. Congratulations on your retirement, and your photography is stellar.
Thank you for your kind words about my daughter's artwork. I also hopes she keeps a sense of balance between art and her career. Difficult to do, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks Beth, it sounds like our paths have similarities. For your daughter, I've found through my own and friends experiences that in the first few years out in the world of work our creative soul takes a back seat as we try to find our way. Then come our thirties we start to open our lives back up to all of those creative possibilities once more so I'm sure your daughter will find her way with this conundrum.😊
You are so right about this, Lin. That's very much what happened to me, as well. I think you make a good point about my daughter finding her way. I appreciate your insights.
Your daughter's painting is terrific in its simplicity. And I so agree with you on your topic of humanities. You honestly can't get through life without an understanding of the people around you, cultures, as well as history. It seems it is more important now more than ever.
I so appreciate your comment. Understanding the world around us is paramount; I totally agree. And given our history and current situation in the world, the Humanities is more vital than ever.
This essay speaks to my soul. Business, science, and engineering can open doors to good careers, but the humanities can open the door to human potential -- how to do work with reverence, kindness and appreciation. The working, making money life, can easily become soul-barren without a balance of the arts and history. I would have loved your classes, Beth.
Arielle's painting is beautiful. The palette waiting with colors to capture a moment of life; the paint brush patiently waiting for the artist's hand, bring about a sense of longing for me. The moment before the art begins, the instant before creating.
Sending you so much love and goodwill. Happy holidays, Beth. Your friend and forever fan, stephanie XO
I really like the word you used, "soul-barren." So true. After I graduated an English major, I did land a job as a business writer for a massively big corporation, and my writer's soul was snuffed out. Everyone I worked with seemed to care only about business and making money. Writers were the lowest of the low.
I appreciate that you would've loved my classes. As I said to Deborah, if you lived nearby at the time I was teaching, I would've asked you to be a guest writer and poet talking with students about the process of writing. They would've enjoyed interacting with you and learning from you -- as I do.
Thank you for your restack and your comment on Arielle's painting. The beauty of the visual arts is it is so do-able. I recommend everyone tap into their inner artist and give it a go. It is such a joy and so relaxing. 😊
Sending peace and love back to you, as well as hearty holiday wishes. I am so very glad our paths crossed. ❤️
Thank you for sharing Arielle’s painting. I hope as an adult she will find a way to keep her two interests alive and balanced. It’s not easy!
I wish I had taken more Humanities courses, I find myself catching up now by reading books and visiting museums. I had that same attitude when I was a college student, that my science courses were the only important ones. I know very little about art or art history, but I love visiting museums and reading all the interpretive placards in an exhibit. Mexico City was a dream for me because of all the museums I visited there!
I often feel like I have a gap in my understanding of the world through art, music, theatre, and so many other aspects of the world. I do consider myself a lifelong learner, though, so I hope to do a bit of catching up and exploration.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the value of humanities. We need to place more emphasis on this in schools so kids understand the world around them is more than screens and video games!
I so appreciate your candor. As you say, you are a "lifelong learner," and that means a lot. Each of us has gaps in our knowledge. I remember following your Mexico City trip and all the wonderful museums there. I think being a lifelong learner enables you to do so much.
Even when I taught Humanities, I didn't know everything -- still have lots of gaps in my knowledge -- and counted on my students to give their interpretations of literature, for example. After all, I looked at my role as a facilitator and not the fount of knowledge.
Amen to emphasizing the value of the Humanities in school. Kids are on screens way too much, agreed.
I hope that Arielle will continue to give energy to her art, as well as her career choice. You are right: it isn't easy at all. I unfortunately find that my time for art is limited, thanks to other obligations. My goal is to increase how many times I create art, but so far, between work and parenthood, this goal has proven unachievable.
Oh Beth, this is such a beautiful, heartfelt reflection on the Humanities. Thank you so much for writing it with such clarity and care. I’m ab-soul-utely delighted to share that my first degree was in Humanities ... how I loved those years! The art, music, plays, alongside philosophy, psychology, and even the extra maths classes I took as I was struggling (but needed to understand statistics!).
My mind and world were just blown wide open by that rich, alchemical mix, and reading your words brought me right back to that sense of discovery. I’m not at all surprised you taught this subject. I would've been curled up at your feet to listen. Yes, I was that student! I honestly felt like I had began to wake up at that time in my life. Thank you for nudging so many happy memories.
And I love the painting! It feels like such a beautiful integration of science and art, a reminder of how creativity and inquiry belong together. How wonderful it is that your daughter has found a way to express her dual passions. 🙏💖
Thank you so much for sharing your experience as a Humanities major! I totally understand how someone can fall in love with all the beautiful things the Humanities has to offer. Your love for the written word, philosophy, art, etc. is so palpable, not only in your comment, but in all your writing. The Humanities should be embraced and valued by everyone.
If I were still teaching and you lived close by, I would've definitely asked you to be a guest lecturer in my classes. My students enjoyed guest poets, and I know they would have enjoyed listening to you and asking questions.
When I started college, I was a pre-veterinary major, but I fell in love with literature and writing instead. People teased me about not being employable as someone who majored in English, but it turns out, I became a professional writer for businesses. But truth be told, I also look back with love on the years of learning all about the world through these wonderful general education courses. So much fun!
Yes, that's it, I fell in love with the Humanities! We had guest poets visit too, it was such an amazing time! Once, while writing an essay on Picasso's "Girl in a Chemise", I did what every student did back then ... I sat in the National Gallery in London and stared at her for hours. I can't recall what I wrote, but I know it was prose from start to finish, and I'll never forget how deeply moved one of my tutors was.
Thank you so much Beth, for your kind and generous words. I'm humbled and touched by them. It's so lovely to learn more about each other and where our passions lie. Falling in love with words really is a saving grace isn't it? I love how we both found our way into creativity. What an amazing teacher you must've been! 🙏💖🕯️
Awww thank you so much for the high compliment! Yes, falling in love with words is a feeling like no other! You and I have a lot in common, for sure. And I am so glad to get to know more about you, too.
Sitting in a gallery staring at artwork for a long time is simply wonderful. What a great experience to do that, as well as having guest poets visit your classes, too.
It is wonderful to major in something out of love for that subject. Yes, falling in love with words is a feeling like no other!
I appreciated how carefully you avoided placing the Humanities above other fields, and at the same time, I felt a little tension there that intrigued me. I wonder if part of the discomfort people have with the Humanities comes from how hard they are to measure. You can’t easily quantify how a novel changes someone, or how philosophy reshapes a moral reflex.
There’s something unsettling about that in systems built on metrics and outcomes. Maybe the Humanities don’t compete with career courses because they aren’t playing the same game at all. They’re working on a different timeline, one that shows up years later in how someone listens, votes, loves, or pauses before reacting. I’m curious how you think about that invisible influence, the kind that never makes it into course evaluations.
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, and I'm so glad you posed the issue of how we can measure how much students learn through the Humanities.
Although I do believe that the Humanities is no more important than any other fields, the tension you feel is definitely there. This is because so many people at the university -- students and faculty alike -- believed that the courses that would help students reach their career goals were useful and the Humanities were not worth the effort, even though these general education courses were also necessary to graduate.
Your point about the Humanities operating on a different timeline than career courses is so true. I often have heard from students years later about how much they appreciated a reading or an art piece. Still, I have no real data to prove that the Humanities far and wide have changed students for the better or made them more tolerant.
To be honest, I might never have written about this topic here, except for one thing: I keep going over in my mind why so many people today refuse to think or cannot think critically about many topics that afflict our society and the world at large, and why so many people lack tolerance and empathy. And although I have no proof, I highly suspect that many individuals don't value the powerful lessons taught by literature, philosophy, and history, for example.
Anyway, for what it's worth, that's my perspective.😃
Beth, I really like how you frame literature and art as companions to science and professional training rather than competitors. The example of Othello is especially powerful, and your daughter’s artwork feels like the perfect embodiment of that balance. Thank you for articulating this so beautifully and for reminding us that education is about becoming human, not just employable.
Hi Marie,
I so appreciate your thoughtful comment. I believe education is at its best when it's a balance of the Humanities and other disciplines. It's really a perfect pairing. Education has so many aspects, and it seems that combining all these aspects makes for a wonderfully balanced education.
Hi Beth,
I don't know why people so often create these hierarchies - giving more value to one thing over another. I remember hearing all those comments in college and when my own kids attended as well. The Humanities is not fluff or of lesser importance. As a former elem teacher, I've often thought how those school years are the epitomy of Humanities learning, blended in, of course, with the basics courses of math, science, etc. These days, it deeply saddens me whenever I hear about art, music, theater or other fine arts courses being eliminated because they are deemed to be not as important.
"Art of all kinds – including music, literature, writing, visual art, film, and dance – is vital in helping people understand the voices and echoes of the human experience." That says it so well. Sadly, the first thought that popped into my mind was how our present administration does not value all voices. Diversity isn't the goal, nor is understanding of the human experience. Makes me so angry, so enough about that.
I absolutely love Arielle's painting. How wonderful she has these two very different interests. This is in large part because of you as you have been, and still are, her primary role model. I cannot wait to hear where her future leads. Please thank her for allowing you to share her art with us.
Another beautiful reflection, my friend. Thank you.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. People who teach at the elementary level are forming the important foundation for learning for these kids' futures. And you are right when you say, "...I've often thought how those school years are the epitomy of Humanities learning, blended in, of course, with the basics courses of math, science, etc."
You are right: just like the universe has room for all kinds of writers and artists, it also has room for all types of disciplines. All the subjects are so vital to educate our young ones, to give them a feel for the importance of what they are studying.
And I completely agree about how our administration cutting all these important programs. I am livid that music and diverse voices are not valued by this administration. Frankly, I think if voters were more educated in the importance of diverse voices and the value of the Humanities, they might have voted differently. Programs being cut hurts me to the very core.
Thank you for your kind words about Arielle's painting. I will thank her for sharing her art. She is very much a science person. I've tried to introduce the idea of illustrating science textbooks as part of her career, but she either is not interested, or she lacks confidence in her own abilities. I suspect it's a little of both.
I agree…no subject is more important than another, respecting the important part they each play creates a balanced view of the huge scope of the human experience. Beautiful watercolor 🥰
Hi Esther,
What you say is true: all subjects are important. It's really not a competition. Instead, each subject complements the others. I appreciate your kind words about my daughter's watercolor. She's a better artist than me, for sure.
Hi Beth,
I didn’t know you spent so much time teaching humanities. That is wonderful and I agree with you. 100% I wish I would’ve had more time with a variety of courses as yes it does help to shape us to live a more meaningful life and to deal with The variety of experience we encounter. I love how you speak of inclusion.
Your daughters artwork is gorgeous. How wonderful to have a foot or a paintbrush in both worlds science and art. I imagine she is a very well-rounded human being.
Very thoughtful essay. Thank you.
Hi Prajna,
Yes, I taught for over 25 years. I also tried to convey to my students the ideas of inclusion, and we had visits from all sorts of poets and other writers, as well as exposure to artists of varying backgrounds and cultures.
Yes, my daughter is in the world of science and the world of art. I hope she continues to love both as she enters college and the world at large.
I love knowing this
I love that you're preaching to the choir (and I mean me!) with this beautifully written essay Beth! Like you, I spent the best years of my teaching career getting students motivated to engage themselves fully with their lives through the Humanities--I can think of no better pursuit! As you say, "The Humanities teaches the essence and universality of the human condition and life lessons through critical thinking. Through the Humanities, people can better understand the world and their place in it." Empathy and compassion are two powerful tools that emerge from one's immersion in the plight of others--what must it feel like to . . . That's what we as educaters always hope to accomplish. To introduce our students to other ways of thinking and feeling and to see that there is much work to be done in the world--even if it's only to raise their one singular voice--it matters! Thank you for this wonderful posting Beth!
Hi Gerry,
Thank you for your kind, thoughtful comment. And thank you for pointing out empathy and compassion in giving students the insight to care about people who are not like themselves. It's all about empathy and compassion, which breeds tolerance.
Unfortunately, these days in the United States, there is very little empathy and compassion. I am praying we get these qualities back. This proves, as you say, that so much still needs to be done in the world.
And I'm glad to be preaching to the choir about this vital subject. All I can do is give my thoughts on this topic, which is near and dear to both of our hearts.
I so resonate with this, Beth. The humanities are the foundation of my YA Edge of Yesterday time travel series--even though my young STEMinista Charley's path is ostensibly around STEM and STEAM learning, her goal in "hacking time" is to learn from those polymaths in history whose gifts, starting with the OG Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci, led them to master---everything: art, science, history, language, engineering, music, and. . .and. . .and. . ..
I have written extensively about these polymaths in history who were busy inventing the future--which is Charley's goal too. On my interactive "learning through story web platform at https://edgeofyesterday.com, created, in large part, by my high school and college interns over the years, there is a Time Travelers portal. Inside that portal are articles of their creation that by design, mash up at least two disciplines, and often many more.
All of my research and work with young people has lead me to a modern definition of MASTERY: Because the MASTERS knew that science and art, and chemistry and language, are not separate disciplines. They are all connected. I feel this is a lesson we have forgotten in our culture where specialization and single-minded focus have driven us into ever narrower stovepipes.
As jobs and specialists are being wiped out by automation, we no longer have that luxury. We need generalists--and people who can learn to learn and innovate across disciplines.
If you're interested, I invite you to check out what modern MASTERY today is all about: https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/time-travel-tourism
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Robin.
I love when you say, "Because the MASTERS knew that science and art, and chemistry and language, are not separate disciplines. They are all connected." So very true. Your point of our becoming more of a specialist society is also on point.
Renaissance people in this day and age are more rare than in the past, but they still can be found if we look for them. But too many people nowadays simply dismiss one discipline over another in favor of what they perceive as important.
I will check out your links as soon as I am able. Thank you so much for your comment.
I agree, we all need to learn and appreciate all subjects to be a whole human. I used to volunteer to teach ‘art literacy’ at my kids schools and I think it should be a necessary part of the curriculum. It’s not about teaching technical art skills. It’s about having a better understanding of human life: how others live and work and see the world around them.
Hi Susan,
Wow. Teaching art literacy must have been enjoyable. It's so vital that people do understand how different people perceive the world. Every single person on Earth is unique, and we learn tolerance by attempting to understand each other.
Thank you for sharing your experience showing others art literacy. I really enjoyed reading about this.
Art Literacy was enjoyable and I learned a lot of art history, too. One teacher took exception to a picture of a man in a river without a shirt on and took the slide out. It was a classic painter(can’t remember who now) and male figure was supposed to be Jesus. All the other teachers were fine with it. so??
I happen to love art history! I took a couple of art history classes in college and learned so much.
Regarding your teacher not liking that picture, I think art is in the eye of the beholder. The fact that the other teachers happened to be OK with it is interesting. I've known some people who didn't like a particular piece of art for whatever reason. As much as many can agree what constitutes great art, there's also much disagreement, too. Ugh.
Such true and important words Beth - yes all children need to learn those subjects that would gain them a foothold in a career in business, technology or engineering for instance, not to mention the services such as health or legal. However, it's so important to learn about the creative world around us by studying Humanities, and there are those brilliant souls who do make a career within the arts and culture but just aren't suited to the more formal lines of study. So making them available to all is something I'm a strong believer in.
For myself I went to a very academic school full of high achievers, and whilst I passed all the exams that were expected of me, I was more suited to the creative studies. When I asked to study Art, History of Art and English Lit for my A levels I was told there was no future in it! It certainly didn't make my education enjoyable, which is also another benefit of giving young people today a more rounded education. Students who enjoy attending a wider variety of classes will give and gain more. Sure, as a result of my education I had a successful business career, but I was unhappy and unfulfilled, eventually burning out. I turned to studying photography and retraining as a therapist, a career that served me well until my retirement this year and allowed me the space to develop the creative soul within.
I love your daughter's painting Beth, she has quite a talent, I do hope she manages to find balance when she steps out in her chosen career and finds time to continue developing her artistic skills. Thank you for sharing this important topic. 😊
Hi Lin,
I'm sorry that your education was made less enjoyable because of people telling you that there was no future in these important classes. I agree that every class is important, and thank you for pointing out the health and legal fields, as well.
What you said here is so true: "Students who enjoy attending a wider variety of classes will give and gain more." It is the variety of classes that truly lead to a quality education.
In school, I had a passion to be an English major, and so I did, to the complaints of my advisors that there would be no career for me. But I did land into a career as a technical and business writer for a huge corporation. Like you having a successful business career, but not so happy, I was unhappy in the corporate business world. I was missing creativity.
I'm so glad you received retraining to become a therapist; I'm sure you were a talented one. Congratulations on your retirement, and your photography is stellar.
Thank you for your kind words about my daughter's artwork. I also hopes she keeps a sense of balance between art and her career. Difficult to do, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks Beth, it sounds like our paths have similarities. For your daughter, I've found through my own and friends experiences that in the first few years out in the world of work our creative soul takes a back seat as we try to find our way. Then come our thirties we start to open our lives back up to all of those creative possibilities once more so I'm sure your daughter will find her way with this conundrum.😊
You are so right about this, Lin. That's very much what happened to me, as well. I think you make a good point about my daughter finding her way. I appreciate your insights.
Your daughter's painting is terrific in its simplicity. And I so agree with you on your topic of humanities. You honestly can't get through life without an understanding of the people around you, cultures, as well as history. It seems it is more important now more than ever.
Hi Nancy,
I so appreciate your comment. Understanding the world around us is paramount; I totally agree. And given our history and current situation in the world, the Humanities is more vital than ever.
This essay speaks to my soul. Business, science, and engineering can open doors to good careers, but the humanities can open the door to human potential -- how to do work with reverence, kindness and appreciation. The working, making money life, can easily become soul-barren without a balance of the arts and history. I would have loved your classes, Beth.
Arielle's painting is beautiful. The palette waiting with colors to capture a moment of life; the paint brush patiently waiting for the artist's hand, bring about a sense of longing for me. The moment before the art begins, the instant before creating.
Sending you so much love and goodwill. Happy holidays, Beth. Your friend and forever fan, stephanie XO
Hi Stephanie,
I really like the word you used, "soul-barren." So true. After I graduated an English major, I did land a job as a business writer for a massively big corporation, and my writer's soul was snuffed out. Everyone I worked with seemed to care only about business and making money. Writers were the lowest of the low.
I appreciate that you would've loved my classes. As I said to Deborah, if you lived nearby at the time I was teaching, I would've asked you to be a guest writer and poet talking with students about the process of writing. They would've enjoyed interacting with you and learning from you -- as I do.
Thank you for your restack and your comment on Arielle's painting. The beauty of the visual arts is it is so do-able. I recommend everyone tap into their inner artist and give it a go. It is such a joy and so relaxing. 😊
Sending peace and love back to you, as well as hearty holiday wishes. I am so very glad our paths crossed. ❤️
I will echo: I am so very glad our paths crossed, too.
Thank you for sharing Arielle’s painting. I hope as an adult she will find a way to keep her two interests alive and balanced. It’s not easy!
I wish I had taken more Humanities courses, I find myself catching up now by reading books and visiting museums. I had that same attitude when I was a college student, that my science courses were the only important ones. I know very little about art or art history, but I love visiting museums and reading all the interpretive placards in an exhibit. Mexico City was a dream for me because of all the museums I visited there!
I often feel like I have a gap in my understanding of the world through art, music, theatre, and so many other aspects of the world. I do consider myself a lifelong learner, though, so I hope to do a bit of catching up and exploration.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the value of humanities. We need to place more emphasis on this in schools so kids understand the world around them is more than screens and video games!
Hi Alene,
I so appreciate your candor. As you say, you are a "lifelong learner," and that means a lot. Each of us has gaps in our knowledge. I remember following your Mexico City trip and all the wonderful museums there. I think being a lifelong learner enables you to do so much.
Even when I taught Humanities, I didn't know everything -- still have lots of gaps in my knowledge -- and counted on my students to give their interpretations of literature, for example. After all, I looked at my role as a facilitator and not the fount of knowledge.
Amen to emphasizing the value of the Humanities in school. Kids are on screens way too much, agreed.
I hope that Arielle will continue to give energy to her art, as well as her career choice. You are right: it isn't easy at all. I unfortunately find that my time for art is limited, thanks to other obligations. My goal is to increase how many times I create art, but so far, between work and parenthood, this goal has proven unachievable.
I hope that you will soon get to a point in your life that you will be able to devote more time to art and other things you enjoy doing.
Thank you so much! I hope so too.
Oh Beth, this is such a beautiful, heartfelt reflection on the Humanities. Thank you so much for writing it with such clarity and care. I’m ab-soul-utely delighted to share that my first degree was in Humanities ... how I loved those years! The art, music, plays, alongside philosophy, psychology, and even the extra maths classes I took as I was struggling (but needed to understand statistics!).
My mind and world were just blown wide open by that rich, alchemical mix, and reading your words brought me right back to that sense of discovery. I’m not at all surprised you taught this subject. I would've been curled up at your feet to listen. Yes, I was that student! I honestly felt like I had began to wake up at that time in my life. Thank you for nudging so many happy memories.
And I love the painting! It feels like such a beautiful integration of science and art, a reminder of how creativity and inquiry belong together. How wonderful it is that your daughter has found a way to express her dual passions. 🙏💖
Hi Deborah,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience as a Humanities major! I totally understand how someone can fall in love with all the beautiful things the Humanities has to offer. Your love for the written word, philosophy, art, etc. is so palpable, not only in your comment, but in all your writing. The Humanities should be embraced and valued by everyone.
If I were still teaching and you lived close by, I would've definitely asked you to be a guest lecturer in my classes. My students enjoyed guest poets, and I know they would have enjoyed listening to you and asking questions.
When I started college, I was a pre-veterinary major, but I fell in love with literature and writing instead. People teased me about not being employable as someone who majored in English, but it turns out, I became a professional writer for businesses. But truth be told, I also look back with love on the years of learning all about the world through these wonderful general education courses. So much fun!
Yes, that's it, I fell in love with the Humanities! We had guest poets visit too, it was such an amazing time! Once, while writing an essay on Picasso's "Girl in a Chemise", I did what every student did back then ... I sat in the National Gallery in London and stared at her for hours. I can't recall what I wrote, but I know it was prose from start to finish, and I'll never forget how deeply moved one of my tutors was.
Thank you so much Beth, for your kind and generous words. I'm humbled and touched by them. It's so lovely to learn more about each other and where our passions lie. Falling in love with words really is a saving grace isn't it? I love how we both found our way into creativity. What an amazing teacher you must've been! 🙏💖🕯️
Awww thank you so much for the high compliment! Yes, falling in love with words is a feeling like no other! You and I have a lot in common, for sure. And I am so glad to get to know more about you, too.
Sitting in a gallery staring at artwork for a long time is simply wonderful. What a great experience to do that, as well as having guest poets visit your classes, too.
It is wonderful to major in something out of love for that subject. Yes, falling in love with words is a feeling like no other!