Shannon Lytle, a sophomore at Harvard, wanted to major in history but instead will get into computer science. “People say you should do what you love, but the reality is that it’s kind of a tougher economic time, and we do have to worry about living after graduation. I don’t want to be doing what I love and be homeless.” Indeed, unemployment for history majors is 9.5%. Liberal arts graduates generally have higher unemployment than “marketable” majors. (Wall Street Journal, A3)
Today is the anniversary of D-Day. How many people on the street remember the invasion with earnest thought? Can you counter evil with love and reason? Why does God permit war and atrocities? Are there causes worth dying for? Are there consolations in literature and art, in philosophy and theology to sustain you in terrible times? Are there nobler themes than my supposed entitlement, themes about life and destiny that span centuries, questions and searchings more eternal than lining up to buy the latest generation gizmo. You have to wonder if we are descending into a technological dark age.
Mr. Lytle, go into history. For God’s sake in the world, go into history!
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