In G. Borodine’s May 27 letter concerning the dismal history knowledge of American students, the writer asks, “where in our economy is it necessary to understand history to get a job?”
Or, as I remember complaining as a young, ignorant grammar school kid, “Why should I learn math if I am not going to be a mathematician?”
This viewpoint sadly reflects the growing perception that education’s sole purpose is to prepare an individual for a career. Less and less a premium is placed on education for education’s sake.
Further, the writer, as well as others who look at institutes of learning as little more than vocational schools, ignore the importance of an informed, educated citizen. In both high school and college, I was taught to appreciate the inextricable ties that bind history, economics, business strategy, science, politics and the arts. Developments in these fields influence one another and, in turn, our overall society.
A working knowledge of these and other topics is essential in a workplace that is more diverse and globalized than ever before.
This synergistic approach to learning taught me the critical thinking, reasoning, and personal interaction skills I use today in my career. And no, I am neither a historian nor artist nor philosopher. I am a marketing executive, that quintessentially American job.
