Why the Liberal Arts Matter

Friends, what are the liberal arts, and why are so many schools getting rid of them? A recent article in The New Yorker titled “The End of the English Major” revealed that during the past decade, the study of English and history at the collegiate level has fallen by a full third.

Do the liberal arts still matter? Why should people study them? That’s what I discuss with Brandon Vogt on today’s episode of “The Word on Fire Show.”

A listener asks, what is your response to the claim that more blood has been shed in history over the name of Jesus Christ than any other individual?

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[dixieflynn]

I am a registered nurse. It was not necessary to know Aristotle to give a shot, so we were not taught liberal arts. As I got older and worked less, I became interested in philosophy and the great literature. Learning these things have made my nursing practice fuller and more meaningful. Thank you for this lecture.

[usenwill]

I was confirmed into the Catholic church through RCIA on Saturday. Wouldn't have happened without Bishop's interview with Lex Fridman and his homilies. Thanks, Bishop (and Brandon) and keep up the great work.

[codyrainspear]

Bishop Baron, I don't know if you read these or not but as a recently retired Catholic school 5th grade teacher when the acronym STEM came along I always believed we needed to counter it with STREAM. (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math). A stem dies without the stream and we are a people of life, of the stream. Thank you for your priesthood and for helping enrich our faith in the risen Lord. Tom

[kathleengleason]

“They are about humanity.” There it is. They humanize us. They are the heart of a university. They matter. A lot. Imagine for a minute a world without a discipline that humanizes young people —- that gets them in touch with human beings with whom they share this planet, with whom they live on this planet. “They can feed our soul.”

[britstickle]

I’m an RN and I have my BSN. I took an extra year to study the humanities. In my senior year I was able to take three quarters of an upper level history class on intellectual and cultural history of America from 1620 to 1920. All of the classes that I took have brought me meaning. I’m 54 years old and my life is richer because of these meaningful classes. I learned critical thinking. These help me to treat my patients with humanity and see them as persons and not just a diagnosis.

[bcompton]

I remember this quote from “Dead Poets Society”; “Business, law, medicine, engineering - these are noble pursuits, and necessary for sustaining life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love - this is what we stay alive for!” Thank you, Bishop Barron, for your defense of the liberal arts!

[marypinakat]

"Study the Liberal Arts because you need to feed your soul, as well as make life for your body more comfortable." *- Bishop Barron*

[walterbsprinks]

Yes I agree.., I was a Liberal Arts Major 1980’s-84, in English Lit and Modern History - Left University and went to work as a Systems Analyst for a Fortune 500 Co. !? Then after 4 years became an English Teacher…

[Homeinmygardenwithmydog]

I majored in Sociology with a Criminal Justice minor. Sociology because it helped me understand why the world was the way it was. Criminal Justice because crime and criminals fascinated me. Today, I am an electrician and I own my own business. I use my degree everyday but not to make money. I would never call it a waste to get my degree. It helped me so much and still brings a great deal of fulfillment to my life.

[robyncullum]

My B.A. from a small liberal arts college back east thoroughly enjoyed my Eng. Lit major. Immersed in beauty & wisdom . Enriched all my activities, paid or volunteer.❤

[ckeast]

Thank you, Bishop Baron. I love the Liberal Arts curriculum. It's so important for our students to study them. Thank you for your Priesthood. You always touch my heart.

[andresteves]

Humanities..the last subject I taught before my retirement...a beautiful and fruitful end of my teaching career.. the best subject etched into one's academic heart..

[josephtravers]

Put my youngest through liberal arts program @ university. He applies that experience in his daily work to produce a more presentable product. We need positive mental stimuli in the form of beauty in this age of growing pragmatism. God bless you, Bishop 🙏

Bishop Barron, I so much enjoy listening to you! Thank you!

[normaorlando]

Bishop Barron it is truly an honor to hear you speak! I love and collect quotes and want to share one with your listeners:
Poetry is at the center and circumference of knowledge;it is that which comprehends all science, and to which all science must be referred.
Shelley, "a Defense of Poetry"

[jamesmcgrath]

This is wonderful, excellent. It is so very important. Beauty gives life meaning in every way.

[wendyfield]

I am old, and for decades now most universities are just training places for jobs, not educating the whole person. How many teachers repeat “you won’t need that for your exam” when dismissing questions from srtudents.. it is sad.

[jojitsu]

the quote from Tolkien popped up in my mind while listening . " Ours is an age of exceedingly efficient means to deteriorating ends".

[ofcourse]

I had a great writing teacher in college. He was Jewish and loved T.S.Eliot. Thanks, Steve, for your generosity.

[corinneromabiles]

Thank you Bishop! Again we have been inspired by your ideas and wisdom. #1 fan from Manila