In defense of a liberal education

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The liberal arts face significant challenges as governors in states like Florida, Texas, and North Carolina vow to cut taxpayer funding for these disciplines, a sentiment echoed by President Obama. In 2014, he suggested that skilled manufacturing or trades could offer better financial prospects than degrees in fields like art history. This perspective has contributed to a decline in popularity and respect for majors such as English and history. Fareed Zakaria reflects on the pressure for skills-based education, recalling his own experiences in India. However, he argues that this view is misguided. Zakaria highlights the essential skills fostered by a liberal arts education, such as clear writing, persuasive expression, and analytical thinking. He counters the vocational argument by noting that many routine manufacturing jobs are being automated or outsourced, and that vocational knowledge can quickly become obsolete. While engineering is valuable, creativity, lateral thinking, communication, and a passion for continuous learning are equally crucial—qualities nurtured by a liberal education. Zakaria also points out that technology is revolutionizing education, providing access to diverse subjects for millions globally, heralding a new era for liberal education.