In Defense of a Liberal Education

Over the last few decades, the value of a liberal arts undergraduate education has come under fire from both ends of the political spectrum.  Conservatives view higher education as a breeding ground for left-wing ideology.  With an increasingly competitive job market, the growth of information technology and the skyrocketing cost of college, the criticism from the Left is more practical in nature.  In other words, is a liberal arts degree really useful in today’s economy?

The emphasis on STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) as a more lucrative career path has become a worldwide phenomenon.  However, according to Zakaria, it is not necessary for everyone to jump on this bandwagon. He doesn’t knock STEM careers in the book, but rather makes a strong case that earning a liberal arts degree in a rigorous academic setting enhances one’s worldview and still has significant value in the workplace.