I study the humanities because I can't do otherwise. The moment you discover your ignorance, you will never give yourself a break. It's an obsession, basically, or a passion.
I studied philosophy at university. The prospectus said "many a graduate has gone on to get illustrious jobs as supermarket cashiers, cinema ushers and bartending."... Sold.
So glad to hear someone talking about this! It seems like everyone is trashing on arts/humanities and even degrees in general. Its less about the content and more about teaching you how to think critically which is a useful skill for lots of jobs. As an arts grad I've had absolutely no problem finding jobs but I do think that doing a more specialised post grad and gaining practical experience is good to add in order to stand out these days.
All degrees teach you how to think critically as all require intellectual work. This argument doesn't really hold ground if it's not explained properly. Employers usually have specific roles in their companies for which they need specialized people. The same goes for government jobs or even NGO jobs. From HR specialists, to engineers, accountants, assistants, lawyers, drivers, graphic designers etc., it is specialized skills that get you through the door, not necessarily that you have a degree. The degree is suppossed to reflect what you learned to do and writing literary commentaries is not really a payable job. If you come from a top university, your degree may be useful because of branding, otherwise it's not that important. In itself someone without a university degree but who spent some time doing some courses to learn the necessary skills such as writing well, knowing how to use Excel etc. is going to be a better fit for a certain job position than someone who studied Shakespeare or arts at university level. Because nobody needs that knowledge to actually do something practical and hence make money. The reason people think it's useless is because they don't get how this will enable you to do something helpful for them that can actually make it worth their effort to pay you money. If it didn't directly help you gain skills, that's just something you did for yourself. I wouldn't say it's a waste of time though. Take my example. I teach English now in an private institution, but I'm paid peanuts to do it there, although it's higher level simply because I don't have a tenure position yet. I make most of my money tutoring on the side, the catch is at university I didn't learn anything about actually teaching English. We did all these advanced classes on literature and linguistics, but I make most of my money from teaching stuff I had to learn on my own by looking at curriculums for middle school and high school grades, buying materials for various international English tests etc. I could have made the same amount of money right after high school if I had studied English properly at high school and had the level some of my top students who graduate high school now have. These kids move on to study dentistry, law school etc and they sometimes read with me some of the stuff I do with my students at university level for way less money. Minus the BS stuff like feminism and gender studies. You go to college and pay tons of money to do things that you could honestly learn by getting a private tutor to teach you for a fraction of the same cost and to summarize it to a level where you don't need to spend years on useless theory you won't much remember anyway. They were interesting, but something to do in my free time, not to pay money to specialize in because they don't teach you any actual skills. Critical thinking is NOT an actual skill that differentiates you from other degree holders, that's what humanities and social sciences graduates don't get. It's like saying you know how to read and write.. well, news-flash, everybody in your competitive range knows how to do that. Yeah, compared to a construction worker you have critical thinking skills, but compared to a doctor or engineer, you have no differentiating skill.
@@ciobalina7445 I agree I haven't explained this properly. Though I think critical thinking is different depending on the degree. Engineering and MBA grads for example are probably not fine tuned to people skills as opposed to someone with sociology, anthro or psych background. Likewise English literature and classics majors are great at philosophising but perhaps lack some concrete skills you mentioned. I have a humanities degree and as I did psychology as one of my majors I think I stand out due to a high level knowledge of statistics which sets me apart from other arts grads. That being said this skill is not at all relevant within public policy/govt jobs (and my anthro major appeals to these jobs a bit more). I think above all it depends how you market yourself. Doing a purely English only degree might narrow your scope unless you couple it with something more concrete. Gender studies as one example is useful for very niche jobs (not for profit DV organisations as an example)
@@yana.mp4 I wanted to edit the post, but I didn't get to finish before you replied. My argument isn't necessarily about doing purely one thing, such as only English (I had a double major by the way and English is not the native language here), my argument is that they only do theory, without any preparation for an actual job that may exist in your field. I intended to be a teacher and eventually that's what I did, but I question what is exactly the point of getting a university degree if most people doing humanities and social studies end up having to study on their own the skills they need to actually work in the field? It's not that I regret getting a university degree,.. it's just that at the end I had a very strong feeling it didn't prepare me for anything and I had to spend some more years afterwards learning some actual skills that could bring in money. It's fine if you're rich and can afford it, but I'm not and it would have made more sense to start working as quickly as possible with newly acquired relevant skills which could have helped me improve my life. But I didn't know what I know now. Humanities is like taking a very expensive fabulous trip when you're so broke you can barely pay your bills and food, for you and your family. It's nice, of course, but these areas are the surplus of a developed civilization and in absence of a financially developed world, funds towards them get cut. They're not a priority in certain contexts (you're not going to buy books or highly theoretical magazines, go to the theatre or to a museum when you can barely afford to pay your bills) and not the way for those who are hoping a college degree will increase their job prospects. There are very few good jobs in the field and they go to the top people. In humanities and social sciences there's lots of individual reading and writing essays, but no practical skills for what you'll actually end up doing as a job. Government jobs are something else. There are such jobs for all fields, including STEM, and the requirements are different. You need to study intensively to pass some theoretical tests. It's the same everywhere in the world. They're very competitive and it's very difficult and time consuming to prepare for all the stages of the examination. You are wrong about STEM. They practice social skills more than you think. They work in group projects and their team player spirit is more developed than that of humanities and social studies students who work individually many times.
@@ciobalina7445 Apologies for slight misunderstanding. I suppose this could also be a question of different programs then as I dont feel like my degree was pure theory and rather it prepared me well for work in terms of building other skills apart from critical thinking. For reference I'm now working in a corporate research and development context. I feel like Australian universities might have a less of a focus on theory and they value team work - We do a lot of group assignments within humanities and our tutorials are very focused on discussion and group work. There are quite a lot of essays and exams but I also did a good mix of presentations, business case formulations and research projects grounded in real life issues. The main end of degree subject assessment for both of my majors was group assignments that were weighted 80% of the subject. I also had an opportunity to do a work internship instead of a subject (I didnt do this but I had a couple of friends who got good work experience out of this). At my uni we're also forced to choose some subject outside of our degree so that was a good opportunity to learn a "side skill" (though admittedly I wasted this opportunity on doing a language stream). I know that other universities in Australia that are more affiliated with technical institutes (ie TAFE) have more links with industry and government so they have things like mandatory work placements as part of the degree.
@@ciobalina7445 you're very wrong, in fact you literally give an amazing example of how the humanities are so helpful. you view the humanities are broad, therefore useless, but thats not how it is. take for example, being able to write. stem students are notoriously bad writers and fail very often in writing their thoughts because they dont study the humanities and writing and literature. you used writing to form an argument, rebuttal to other arguments, and different examples. that is an example of the things you learn in humanities. you can find many different jobs in the humanities, you just choose to believe that because it isnt so specific and precise, there is nothing there. for example, you could work for a publishing company reading manuscripts, you can do freelance writing work, you can potentially even teach. another fault of stem is many lack so many soft skills for work. when it comes to finding a job, every position you might get is different, so you will need to be trained regardless of what you do. so it does not matter what your certifications are, because everyone is qualified. when it comes to soft skills, what you believe to not differentiate anyone at all, in fact plays a huge role in helping you stand out. being able to have those soft skills to help you help everyone else is vital.
Hi Robin. I once gave up a medical degree to study philosophy (and then law). My father was very angry with my decision. In retrospect, it was the best decision I made to leave my original degree and pursue my passion in philosophy. Nothing great was ever achieved without danger (as Machiavelli once said). Embrace uncertainty in life. Good for you. Lots of respect to you.
Hey glad to hear that someone has gone through this path and made it alive, Could you help me with a similar problem, I am kinda going through the same thing as a freshman. Thank you for the comment!
I am pursuing MA in English literature! And I literally don’t have anyone around to discuss or share my thoughts, And your channel is a relief for me in times like these
I'm not going into history because I'm dissatisfied with reality. I'm going to history because me like when human go bonk on each other's head over millennia. Also, perspectives are cool.
You argue that your twenties is the perfect time to study humanities- you are unsure of who your are, your place in the world.... The thing is, if you're of that mindset ( and I also am), then you will never be able to answer these questions. Then it becomes a matter of do you wish to explore what others have thought on these profound topics or are you able to channel your mind into something of a more purely vocational bent? I did a degree in Primary teaching but now, over thirty years later I'm taking a degree in Literature. That doesn't mean those questions weren't with me all along- I've always been interested in ideas and keen to learn more of what it means to be human. Now I'm retired I have more time to devote to this but it was always there for me. The good thing studying now though is I have more time, maybe a broader perspective and because I have already 'learnt how to learn' I can take a course with minimum input from a university and therefore at a minimum cost.
I would argue that having an interest in the humanities or literature or whatever is not necessarily a sign of pressure, “mental disturbance”, or dissatisfaction as you propose in this video and some other recent videos. I love literature, psychology, philosophy, etc, because of my love for reality, learning, and life. I would say I learn because I’m on a mission (an “impossible” mission) to find the best way to live my life to the fullest and help other people. Either way, I think people have many different motivations for why they are interested in the humanities, and it’s not necessarily a sign that their life is miserable or that they are “mentally disturbed”.
Let's be honest, the job market is so oversaturated with STEM at this point that not even they get guaranteed the six figure jobs they love lording over humanities. If we're all going to be broke and exhausted, I'd rather be broke and exhausted doing something I love. I'm going to succeed with my silly little humanities degree simply out of spite for the people who condescend me and passion for myself. I know who I am, and who I am is a storyteller. There's such joy in it, to be so enamored with the human experience, to treasure the gift of being alive and have the eyes to see what makes it so wonderful. I wouldn't choose to be anyone else. I know this means I will probably never have a lot of money, and people will always look down on me. But this is my life, no one else's. I would rather look back on it knowing I fought for my dreams, even if I don't get everything or anything I wanted, than get to the end and wonder what could have been
@@markdavids2511 None, I got a full tuition Posse merit scholarship because I took a chance on "passion" and then found an area it could be a marketable skill in instead of giving up as soon as someone else decided it wasn't worth it. It turns out that when you know how to use rhetoric, you can use it to write the essays and answer the interview questions that pay for your useless degree :)
@@markdavids2511 none, I got a full tuition scholarship. turns out the "passion" you're trying to condescend is also a skill that writes the essays and answers the interview questions that get you things :)
I can really recommend Not for Profit by Martha Nussbaum on the value of the humanities. I have a master's degree in applied philosophy and thinking back on 5 years of studying philosophy I feel really good about my choice. It changed and transformed me into a greater critical thinker with capacity to learn new perspectives. I have learned how to have a critical discussion in a friendly manner on important topics. The value of philosophy is in my eyes not its potential for creating profit or developing new technology. It is that philosophy guards slow and critical thinking from the fast paced hamster wheel of an existence that most people live in today. Philosophy graduates can also create value for companies because of these unique skills that take time to develop but it probably takes more time and effort to make a non-philosophy graduate understand this value than other philosophers.
For me, I have given up on so much because it is all just too expensive (like owning my own home among other things). I have concluded after the pandemic and our current economic crisis that it does not matter what I study, because I will never be able to "make enough." Therefore, I am studying a subject I love and gets me excited which is my beautiful English language. People have said I light up when talking about books and writing. My spirit feels so fulfilled when I write and read, and study the masters. I am so freaking excited to finish out my Bachelor's program this August after my year break from my Associates and have already began reading some of my course materials I saw from previous syllabuses so I can already have an idea what I will be reading and studying. I love learning about different cultures, beliefs, and history through stories. And I am the one weirdo for the most part I actually really enjoy essays because I get the chance to talk and talk about something I love and if it is something I am truly interested in I have to have word limits because I also tend to really deep dive lol. So yes, I am majoring in English, because I love it! It is for me to grow as a person, and I am going to use it because I am a writer myself. I hope to work in a library and even become and editor to help others in my craft! So in a world where nothing seems attainable anymore I say screw it and I'm going to study something I love even if I don't make a ton of money. Because to me as long as my bills are paid I don't care to be rich, just to foster my love of the subjects that make me excited and want to keep learning! I am also planning to get my Masters in English as well! Do what makes you happy, study what you love, life is too short to study what you hate, have a job you hate, to not even make enough anyway.
Also I am kind of wanting to take some philosophy courses to study religious texts (I am just personally interested in why people believe in religion) and considering taking fine art courses :)
This is a viewpoint I wish was more common. Not all of us want to be rich or the next Bill Gates. There is more to life than being cogs in the economic machine.
Why would people interested in humanities study anything else? The world doesn't need any more half-assed doctors, engineers, and scientists. Chances are if a person who cares only for humanities studies a science degree they will often always fail that science degree due to no interest and it will be "useless" too. I study English and History at university, but did Biology as one of my A-levels... and I was terrible at it. So why would I knowingly go into a degree in the sciences where my only experience of it is failure and hatred when I can go into something I love and have spent my whole life dedicated to studying both in school and in my own time. I want to be a teacher, as I cannot see myself possibly doing anything else, as teachers have consistently been the most inspiring things in my life, and the best of those who have changed my life have always come from the humanities. I would choose Shakespeare over sciences any day.
I found my passion for humanities early on and was lucky enough to have parents who supported my dream and didn't oppose it much. However, from time to time I still get kind of embarassed to tell what my major is when meeting new people (I suppose it's because at least in my area STEM subjects are seen as superior)
I felt this way 100% while I was still earning my Bachelor's. Now that I've completed it and can't afford to continue school and am struggling to make enough money to survive, I wish I had minored in my passions and focused on something I knew could make me enough money at least to have a more stable future. One of the frustrating things is that while in school all of these skills seem incredible to put toward jobs, in our current world none of these skills are valued and rarely actually get us even into the interview stage. I wholeheartedly would not take back my degree. I loved it. I loved school. I want to continue studying and learning, and I am. But I would also love to be able to afford to go back to college and continue in the environment that is so difficult to recreate outside of school. Sadly, it will likely be a while before I can afford to do so. I hope everyone can follow their passions and learn more about the world and the people around them and cultures and communication and language and expression. I also hope we can figure out how to eat and have shelter and sustain ourselves.
I'm thankful for RC Waldun's videos. I was slightly de-motivated to pursue the humanities. Now I feel much better about myself. I feel more confident in this English program. It isn't about finding a job, but understanding and analyzing complex social issues.
I started pursuing my masters in philosophy and theology in my 30s because I wanted to improve my leadership skills and writing. My undergrad major was digital media and video game design. I'm an ESL teacher in Korea. So don't get stuck on the job market when you go to school... you'll probably end up in places you never expected anyways.
Last year, I finished my history degree at an Australian university. I'm now working on a novel and (very slowly) building income by teaching online and journalism. Business stuff interests me and I've took courses on branding & marketing from Udemy. Haven't really applied for jobs. Best of luck, everyone - especially to you, Robin. Will check out your Skillshare class. (hey, it's where I teach!) I have no regrets studying history. I get comments like 'what are you doing with that?' or 'should've done STEM'- urgh. But I get encouragement, and I've improved so much as a writer and storyteller. My tip for humanities students is to a) learn auxillary skills: language, marketing, software, teaching, design etc. b) become a beast at writing. Seriously, so many think they are good writers. The ability to communicate your ideas well is actually rare.
Smart young dude! I’m 34 and I quit college with 17 credits left. Going back now to finish it just for fun. I think it will open up opportunities and get me back on track career-wise.
After a complete and utter breakdown in 2019 I reorganised my life and have now started a second B.A. in Anglophone Studies and Communication Science. Best decision of my life, I'm immensely enjoying it. Yes, it's hard because I still have to work and earn money alongside my studies, but it's so worth it! I was forced to do a lot of rest and soul-searching over the last two years and my health forced me to reassess my priorities. Studying the humanities is helping me with this process. I love diving head-first into literature and different schools of thought on the nature of human communication!
i study the humanities, because im obsessed with czech literature… so many gems! i just cant stop reading and wanting to learn more about czech republic and the language. thats what i dreamt of in high school. finally learning what i am interested in and actually finding pleasure in studying!
I am a primary school teacher with two literature degrees. The need for critical thinking, sound argument and thoughtful communication to teach kids how to investigate and weave through the tsunami of mis/information is needed more than ever. Humanities disciples must continue to proclaim the virtues of the disciple.
I don´t know if you are going to read this but I'm a 22 year old girl whose passion are books, and even though my parents are not the happiest with that decision I know, deep inside me my life depends on it, I have tried to study something else, and it was the worst time of my life, I felt so sad at that moment, i want to study Literature and I want to make a big chance, maybe it's a useless dream, but want I want to do it´s to make books reachable to people, I want people to fell in love with books, and I'm going to spend the rest of my life doing so because they´re the most important thing to me, I wont give up.
you have a beautiful reason and there's not anything more important than that! believe me, as a person who don't have any passion i would love to find anything in the world even if that means i'm not gonna be the most succesfull human being. I think having a purpose it's edverything you have to persue now a days. Keep it going!! Wishing you the best luck!
I think that for a lot of people no matter what your field of study is you will probably end up working in whatever other thing, so my advice to young people is to just study whatever you feel like it. In the case of humanities, if you’re lucky you will work in your field, become a scholar, etc. but if not all these analytical skills we learn in college really help and go a long way in the “real world”. I studied History but now I work a decent paid government job. Its something that has nothing to do with my degree but it was the writing and critical skills I learned during my college years that gave me an edge over the other people applying for the job. And yes, per se its not exactly fulfilling but I keep all my interests as little side gigs or even hobbies which calm my necessity for the knowledge of the humanities and arts.
I know you are a busy guy who already is doing a lot of things, but all I am say is...if you launched a podcast discussion your favorite elements of the the arts, culture, current events ( with a little bit French language sprinkled in) I would subscribe and listen almost every day. I get so much inspiration from your videos and I'm not even a college student anymore. Just a lifelong learner and flaneur.
Why can't you do a degree in the humanities and also get a useful qualification on the side where you can use a few of the skills you learn in the humanities in a more focused way. I got my MA in history and I did a Grad Cert in employment law part time by Open Universities Australia. My Grad Cert in employment law allowed me to use some of my skills from studying history, for example I got to study the history of Australian industrial relations regulations, understand the political ideologies behind the laws, read old cases and legislation, etc. I found a job in a law firm and worked as a legal assistant. I then did further study in my free time to turn my Grad Cert into a JD in law. In law school I liked to look at the historical and philosophical development of law and I always found a way to blend in history or philosophy to my studies (especially in Jurisprudence where I got to read a lot of philosophy). I completed my JD in 2019 and I completed my practical legal training in 2020. I got admitted as a lawyer in April 2021. I work in a law firm, however I still love the humanities. In my free time I plan to take some leave from work and do a MA in philosophy. Learning is something you can do your entire life, while at the same time still holding a good paying job.
So I come from a Stem dominant environment and the hierarchy that comes with it but I'm sure this applies everywhere as well. I wish people would acknowledge that sometimes your mental health can be so turbulent and that you could be dealing with such heavy psychological affairs that considering to take up stem subjects is a luxury some of us can't afford, in this regard; that the viewpoint of arts students being whimsical and privileged for being able to and choosing to pursue the humanities shows a disconnect from the practical everyday problems of life is unfair. Some of us really don't have the stability or sanity to pursue stem the same way certain stem individuals claim not to have the resources to pursue the humanities.
wanted somehow to do the languages and literature degree, but accomplished the economics degree instead because of the job prospects and salary to survive in this world. Hope someday soon I will settle and close all the basic needs and then go and study languages and literature just for my soul. Now just kinda trying not to regret the choices I did and live in the present
I have an engineering degree. I worked as a data analyst for a couple of years. I wasn't satisfied, so I am now finishing up a theology master's and starting another master's in philosophy.
Is being a data analyst not worth it? I’m considering between medicine and software engineering, i have interest in medicine but don’t really know much about software engineering just that i can earn money faster. Idk what to do
I say study the Humanities, just not in university. All the info you need, even lectures, are available for free now. No reason to put yourself into debt anymore.
I agree with this, im surprised not many other people aren't mentioning this. I'm all for studying the humanities, but is it worth ending up in debt? That is a question everyone should ask themselves
Humanities is more than listening to lectures - it's turning information into sophisticated arguments. When I did my history degree, my writing skills skyrocketed. There is an advantage with set readings, imo. That said - is it worth the debt?
This is a really bad fallacious argument. The resources your college/uni provides you are practically unrivaled as far as academia goes. It's not at all the same as learning from some random UA-cam video.
The qualification might not be all that in vogue unfortunately but the skills are still useful. The critical thinking and communication skills I acquired in my literature degree serve me well in my STEM dominated field.
i am absolutely in love with the humanities and so many people look down upon my academic choices because science is seen as superior and more important.
Well actually I have my university orientation program tomorrow and my classes are starting in a couple of days I have done a complete 180 from science to humanities Having studied physics, biology and chemistry in my intermediate years at school I just came to realize that I am better suited for humanites...and this video kind of sums up the point of choosing humanities over science for my higher education Thankyou so much for this video
I think it's sad how liberal arts education has been killed in favor of a higher education system that exists solely to benefit capitalism. I'm in the US where higher education is extremely expensive and people often take on massive amounts of debt to get a degree. Many people in the US just care about whether or not their degree will get them a better job, and it's understandable why. But this view of higher education has to do with the system rather than the individuals. I studied math at university mainly because it was interesting to me. I'm still trying to figure out how to apply my degree in the labor force, but it's hard.
As a secular pursuit, liberal arts serve far greater purpose than merely securing post graduate employment. Unless medicine or science is career choice, the typical twenty-two year old newly-minted baccalaureate can expect to work in three or four radically different fields before retiring forty three years hence. And honing one's mind to a razor edge to prepare for life, not simply gainful employ, is the far better purpose of a college education.
Sincerely, i went to International Relations because i liked all the fields of study, but the more i study and leard about the world, more i see the need to stury anthropology and philosophy, i really feel the need. I really want to know what's happening inside and below all the decisions and beliefs. Maybe im just too curious
Figuring things out is a luxury most people don't have. I don't mean they can't but it takes time and effort to get something figured out then more time and effort to work out what the thing they figured out means, and then what it leads to. You have to work at thinking like a musician has to practice and an artist has to produce a lot of crap to get something good. Most people have to get from a to b or a to c without getting hit over the head by b... I don't want to say it's a waste of time but most people are too busy trying to go forward or not slip backward to even have that time to work with. In fact what time they do get they usually prefer not thinking as it makes them less prone to suffering about the chore of living they must deal with. Good luck with your ambition to think. But like I say most people don't have that luxury. They give up, thinking thinking is for other people like music is for musicians and art is for artists. Maybe they're right.
The use and understanding of language learned studying and its potential application in sales cannot be underestimated. Many sales people are boring and formulaic with their language. Being original with your language can make all the difference. You don't have to go high brow either, if anything basic descriptive and emotive language done well with some easy to understand figurative language can make all the difference in engaging someone looking to buy.
That is so weird because I read and study a lot of philosophy and psychology but I am not getting a degree on it. I also read history, but I am becoming an art teacher instead. Why? because sometimes we think too much on philosophies, politics, morals... I am merely a human I wish I could change the world but I can't with art I ignore everything and become a painter. As a teacher I can at least teach some morals, some philosophies, and politics all within art. I can take breaks and teach only the visual and skills, later I can climb back and be more skeptical and existential. I can help people as they grow whether it is skilled based or philosophical.
You might enjoy reading Climbing Parnassus - it's an apologia for Latin and Greek specifically but a lot of the arguments would suit the point you are trying to make as well. I have a BA in classics (so the book was preaching to the choir in my case) which is the gold standard of making people ask "and what will you do with THAT?", so it was nice to read a cogent argument. Put bluntly: you study humanities, and classics, to make you a better person. It is not economically useful, thank God, it is far beyond that.
I hate when people say these degrees are useless and the only way to make a living is getting a STEM degree. 📜 Do they even know that not anyone is good at math and science? So if you really struggle at math you are better off not going to college at all?
Right-wing propaganda is abundant and unfortunately, it would ironically seem that many people lack the same critical thinking and logical reasoning skills that a humanities course would help you immensely in to prevent themselves from falling victim to it. There are many fields in the humanities that pay well. Technical writing, paralegal, copywriter, marketing manager, I could go on.
@@allgoodnamestaken6002 it isn't right wing propaganda though. I have lived experience and I know that humanities/arts degrees are a waste of time and money. They won't open any doors for you in the jobs market.
@@patarciepaul Sounds to me like you didn't bother to do anything else other than getting the degree. You'd also have to do other things like build a portfolio, networking, internships, etc. Getting a degree should only be part of the journey. It doesn't matter what you major in, you'll still more than likely have to do more than the bare minimum to make yourself marketable.
@@allgoodnamestaken6002 Well that's not how it was sold. It was sold as a golden ticket to a lucrative career but 15 years on I am working alongside people who left school at 16. Worse to the point I take home less money than them because I have to repay my student loan out of the exact same money. Higher education has done the exact opposite as what was promised.
I started college at 39, got a BA in philosophy. I will say that I always thought Id be stuck in my thinking, but learning philosophy made me think 100% differently on everything i believed. I will be going onto my MA this fall. Is studying the Humanities worthless? Not at all; I truly believe that they are needed more than ever.
Nice video Robin! Hey, can you make a video talking about social sciences? My main goal has always been to dedicate my life, to the movements and changes I´d like to see in my not so developed country: Mexico. I like most social sciences, but think that philosophy gives you more thinking/mental tools for your professional and personal life. For me, it's like studying mathematics, which by doing lots of proofs and being so abstract, will give you awesome thinking skills; rather than doing engineering, which in most cases, will evade proofs and being too abstract. Thanks in advance!
I did a foundation degree in Digital Media Arts and before that I did a National Diploma in TV And Film and before that I did a first diploma in Media Production yet I'm stuck working in a shop. I turns out a Foundation Degree means nothing in the media industry which annoys me as I had to take out a student loan to pay for the tuition and I get told that on it's own it means nothing. They are more interested in what you make outside of your degree which leaves me wondering why pay for a degree if it's not a guarantee? The media industry I guess is a shallow place whether it's TV, Film or The Internet.
It just feels wrong when I ignore the itch of thinking this way. I envy the people who can get out of bed without having to appease to your body that you have to get out. The sun’s out but it’s bleak. I often view myself as weird.
We live a versatile and robust economy. There are plenty of jobs to occupy. If you’re not educated in humanities in some degree you don’t know much. The ability to think, communicate, write and be well read shouldn’t be underestimated.
In India, especially in Bengal, humanities isn't a useless subject for everyone. Rather it's the course for the elites, who come from wealthy families, can afford to stay unemployed for a long time just to follow their passion. But eventually they get to pretty good places.
That must be why Jhumpa Lahiri's parents allowed to become an author. If you aren't familiar, she's a notable Indian American writer of Bengali ethnicity.
This year I started my magister degree in programming, and it fucking sucked from the very beginning of the bachelors, to be honest. I constantly regret "my" choice (my dad is a programmer, and I sorta wanted to make him proud, but there was no pressure from him or anybody else) to start all this. I long for history, literature, philosophy, languages and human psychology constantly. I try to self-study some of this, but university studying takes most of my time and mental capacity. IT just feels like it is not for me. I want to understand our situation as humans on this tiny planet. I feel this void inside of me every day. I feel like this year I will eventually fail my studies due to numerous mental breakdowns. Fuck it, I will be someone else in the end.
If I were You. I'll take My English literature degree and learn coding online. Online Degrees and online courses for computer.... There are a lots. Anyways, you earned a new sub
you make videos about questions i ask myself everyday ... like what degree should i choose... why that degree instead of other... logic and emotion are in a battle
I'm studying molecular genetics, and through these years I've been thinking about quitting and starting humanities.Everyone advised me to stick. Science donot answer my questions and leave me unsatisfied.I really up to people who study humanities for their understanding of life in gemeral.I feel like I'm wasting my life, but I'm so indecisive.
I’m kind of torn between English and Sociology, but since I’m dissatisfied with the reality of our world and where our society is heading, I think I might just choose English just so I can dive into Gothic, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, all of which the course I intend to apply for offers.
Robin, let me suggest that if you are not already keeping a journal to start doing so. In fact, save everything you write. At some point, down the road of life, older Robin will meet younger Robin and the reunion will be a revelation. It is encouraging for me, as an older man, to see thoughtful content like yours.
Law is not much better either. It's just glorified English literature if you don't be a lawyer. I'm a law graduate who's not good enough to be qualified as a lawyer, and now im struggling to find work cuz i lack numerical background. I tried compliance but requires economic. I tried HR but companies prefer real HR. Also the big ego being hyped up by the society doesn't help.
Well, yes and no. A library card is a great thing, if the library is of a good standard. But it will, by and large, only get you so far. A great teacher is great not for the wisdom they pass on to you but through the questions they ask which, as RC points out, can turn your world upside down. Not impossible to do alone, but your reading could so easily become something that constantly confirms your existing biases and never really helps you to grow.
Forces you to read something you otherwise wouldn't. Also the nature of having assignments set for you its hard to challenge yourself truly if you're the only one pushing yourself.
University is only useful if you plan on going into engineering, medicine, accounting or finance. You can study humanities in your free time and build something out of it without needing to spend thousands on a degree with little job outcomes and those jobs most likely don't need you to have a degree.
this is something that Ive been struggling with for months. that my major is not cool enough or I should be studying something else for the sake of being accepted or cool:} after watching this video I feel like alright maybe Im not the only one. thank youu:}
That excitement about learning about ideas is going to go away. Rent, utilities etc. are going to require payment. We live in a material world, and the humanities didn't help me pay the bills. College was a waste of time.
I study the humanities because I can't do otherwise. The moment you discover your ignorance, you will never give yourself a break. It's an obsession, basically, or a passion.
thisss
yes, this.
bro is tryna be edgy and flowy so bad
this made my day, so beautiful
And why is that?
I studied philosophy at university. The prospectus said "many a graduate has gone on to get illustrious jobs as supermarket cashiers, cinema ushers and bartending."... Sold.
So glad to hear someone talking about this! It seems like everyone is trashing on arts/humanities and even degrees in general. Its less about the content and more about teaching you how to think critically which is a useful skill for lots of jobs. As an arts grad I've had absolutely no problem finding jobs but I do think that doing a more specialised post grad and gaining practical experience is good to add in order to stand out these days.
All degrees teach you how to think critically as all require intellectual work. This argument doesn't really hold ground if it's not explained properly. Employers usually have specific roles in their companies for which they need specialized people. The same goes for government jobs or even NGO jobs. From HR specialists, to engineers, accountants, assistants, lawyers, drivers, graphic designers etc., it is specialized skills that get you through the door, not necessarily that you have a degree. The degree is suppossed to reflect what you learned to do and writing literary commentaries is not really a payable job. If you come from a top university, your degree may be useful because of branding, otherwise it's not that important. In itself someone without a university degree but who spent some time doing some courses to learn the necessary skills such as writing well, knowing how to use Excel etc. is going to be a better fit for a certain job position than someone who studied Shakespeare or arts at university level. Because nobody needs that knowledge to actually do something practical and hence make money. The reason people think it's useless is because they don't get how this will enable you to do something helpful for them that can actually make it worth their effort to pay you money. If it didn't directly help you gain skills, that's just something you did for yourself. I wouldn't say it's a waste of time though. Take my example. I teach English now in an private institution, but I'm paid peanuts to do it there, although it's higher level simply because I don't have a tenure position yet. I make most of my money tutoring on the side, the catch is at university I didn't learn anything about actually teaching English. We did all these advanced classes on literature and linguistics, but I make most of my money from teaching stuff I had to learn on my own by looking at curriculums for middle school and high school grades, buying materials for various international English tests etc. I could have made the same amount of money right after high school if I had studied English properly at high school and had the level some of my top students who graduate high school now have. These kids move on to study dentistry, law school etc and they sometimes read with me some of the stuff I do with my students at university level for way less money. Minus the BS stuff like feminism and gender studies. You go to college and pay tons of money to do things that you could honestly learn by getting a private tutor to teach you for a fraction of the same cost and to summarize it to a level where you don't need to spend years on useless theory you won't much remember anyway. They were interesting, but something to do in my free time, not to pay money to specialize in because they don't teach you any actual skills. Critical thinking is NOT an actual skill that differentiates you from other degree holders, that's what humanities and social sciences graduates don't get. It's like saying you know how to read and write.. well, news-flash, everybody in your competitive range knows how to do that. Yeah, compared to a construction worker you have critical thinking skills, but compared to a doctor or engineer, you have no differentiating skill.
@@ciobalina7445 I agree I haven't explained this properly. Though I think critical thinking is different depending on the degree. Engineering and MBA grads for example are probably not fine tuned to people skills as opposed to someone with sociology, anthro or psych background. Likewise English literature and classics majors are great at philosophising but perhaps lack some concrete skills you mentioned.
I have a humanities degree and as I did psychology as one of my majors I think I stand out due to a high level knowledge of statistics which sets me apart from other arts grads. That being said this skill is not at all relevant within public policy/govt jobs (and my anthro major appeals to these jobs a bit more).
I think above all it depends how you market yourself. Doing a purely English only degree might narrow your scope unless you couple it with something more concrete. Gender studies as one example is useful for very niche jobs (not for profit DV organisations as an example)
@@yana.mp4 I wanted to edit the post, but I didn't get to finish before you replied. My argument isn't necessarily about doing purely one thing, such as only English (I had a double major by the way and English is not the native language here), my argument is that they only do theory, without any preparation for an actual job that may exist in your field.
I intended to be a teacher and eventually that's what I did, but I question what is exactly the point of getting a university degree if most people doing humanities and social studies end up having to study on their own the skills they need to actually work in the field? It's not that I regret getting a university degree,.. it's just that at the end I had a very strong feeling it didn't prepare me for anything and I had to spend some more years afterwards learning some actual skills that could bring in money. It's fine if you're rich and can afford it, but I'm not and it would have made more sense to start working as quickly as possible with newly acquired relevant skills which could have helped me improve my life. But I didn't know what I know now. Humanities is like taking a very expensive fabulous trip when you're so broke you can barely pay your bills and food, for you and your family. It's nice, of course, but these areas are the surplus of a developed civilization and in absence of a financially developed world, funds towards them get cut. They're not a priority in certain contexts (you're not going to buy books or highly theoretical magazines, go to the theatre or to a museum when you can barely afford to pay your bills) and not the way for those who are hoping a college degree will increase their job prospects. There are very few good jobs in the field and they go to the top people.
In humanities and social sciences there's lots of individual reading and writing essays, but no practical skills for what you'll actually end up doing as a job. Government jobs are something else. There are such jobs for all fields, including STEM, and the requirements are different. You need to study intensively to pass some theoretical tests. It's the same everywhere in the world. They're very competitive and it's very difficult and time consuming to prepare for all the stages of the examination.
You are wrong about STEM. They practice social skills more than you think. They work in group projects and their team player spirit is more developed than that of humanities and social studies students who work individually many times.
@@ciobalina7445 Apologies for slight misunderstanding. I suppose this could also be a question of different programs then as I dont feel like my degree was pure theory and rather it prepared me well for work in terms of building other skills apart from critical thinking. For reference I'm now working in a corporate research and development context.
I feel like Australian universities might have a less of a focus on theory and they value team work - We do a lot of group assignments within humanities and our tutorials are very focused on discussion and group work. There are quite a lot of essays and exams but I also did a good mix of presentations, business case formulations and research projects grounded in real life issues. The main end of degree subject assessment for both of my majors was group assignments that were weighted 80% of the subject. I also had an opportunity to do a work internship instead of a subject (I didnt do this but I had a couple of friends who got good work experience out of this). At my uni we're also forced to choose some subject outside of our degree so that was a good opportunity to learn a "side skill" (though admittedly I wasted this opportunity on doing a language stream).
I know that other universities in Australia that are more affiliated with technical institutes (ie TAFE) have more links with industry and government so they have things like mandatory work placements as part of the degree.
@@ciobalina7445 you're very wrong, in fact you literally give an amazing example of how the humanities are so helpful. you view the humanities are broad, therefore useless, but thats not how it is. take for example, being able to write. stem students are notoriously bad writers and fail very often in writing their thoughts because they dont study the humanities and writing and literature. you used writing to form an argument, rebuttal to other arguments, and different examples. that is an example of the things you learn in humanities. you can find many different jobs in the humanities, you just choose to believe that because it isnt so specific and precise, there is nothing there. for example, you could work for a publishing company reading manuscripts, you can do freelance writing work, you can potentially even teach. another fault of stem is many lack so many soft skills for work. when it comes to finding a job, every position you might get is different, so you will need to be trained regardless of what you do. so it does not matter what your certifications are, because everyone is qualified. when it comes to soft skills, what you believe to not differentiate anyone at all, in fact plays a huge role in helping you stand out. being able to have those soft skills to help you help everyone else is vital.
Hi Robin. I once gave up a medical degree to study philosophy (and then law). My father was very angry with my decision. In retrospect, it was the best decision I made to leave my original degree and pursue my passion in philosophy. Nothing great was ever achieved without danger (as Machiavelli once said). Embrace uncertainty in life. Good for you. Lots of respect to you.
Hey glad to hear that someone has gone through this path and made it alive, Could you help me with a similar problem, I am kinda going through the same thing as a freshman. Thank you for the comment!
Ahh as Giovanni Boccaccio said, we hold dearest to us what we achieve with great difficulty
So where are you right now?
I am pursuing MA in English literature! And I literally don’t have anyone around to discuss or share my thoughts, And your channel is a relief for me in times like these
Currently in my BA in English (literature) sooo if you ever need a literature buddy let me know! :)
@@rosl9517hey please! I genuinely need a buddy in my studies. How to contact you ?
I don't have people to discuss about literature as an MA graduate in English as well.
How are you brother can we collab@@rosl9517
I'm not going into history because I'm dissatisfied with reality. I'm going to history because me like when human go bonk on each other's head over millennia. Also, perspectives are cool.
You argue that your twenties is the perfect time to study humanities- you are unsure of who your are, your place in the world.... The thing is, if you're of that mindset ( and I also am), then you will never be able to answer these questions. Then it becomes a matter of do you wish to explore what others have thought on these profound topics or are you able to channel your mind into something of a more purely vocational bent? I did a degree in Primary teaching but now, over thirty years later I'm taking a degree in Literature. That doesn't mean those questions weren't with me all along- I've always been interested in ideas and keen to learn more of what it means to be human. Now I'm retired I have more time to devote to this but it was always there for me. The good thing studying now though is I have more time, maybe a broader perspective and because I have already 'learnt how to learn' I can take a course with minimum input from a university and therefore at a minimum cost.
I would argue that having an interest in the humanities or literature or whatever is not necessarily a sign of pressure, “mental disturbance”, or dissatisfaction as you propose in this video and some other recent videos. I love literature, psychology, philosophy, etc, because of my love for reality, learning, and life. I would say I learn because I’m on a mission (an “impossible” mission) to find the best way to live my life to the fullest and help other people.
Either way, I think people have many different motivations for why they are interested in the humanities, and it’s not necessarily a sign that their life is miserable or that they are “mentally disturbed”.
Let's be honest, the job market is so oversaturated with STEM at this point that not even they get guaranteed the six figure jobs they love lording over humanities. If we're all going to be broke and exhausted, I'd rather be broke and exhausted doing something I love. I'm going to succeed with my silly little humanities degree simply out of spite for the people who condescend me and passion for myself. I know who I am, and who I am is a storyteller. There's such joy in it, to be so enamored with the human experience, to treasure the gift of being alive and have the eyes to see what makes it so wonderful. I wouldn't choose to be anyone else. I know this means I will probably never have a lot of money, and people will always look down on me. But this is my life, no one else's. I would rather look back on it knowing I fought for my dreams, even if I don't get everything or anything I wanted, than get to the end and wonder what could have been
Amen
How much debt did your “passion” lead too?.
@@markdavids2511 none, I got a full-tuition merit scholarship because I took a chance on "passion" :)
@@markdavids2511 None, I got a full tuition Posse merit scholarship because I took a chance on "passion" and then found an area it could be a marketable skill in instead of giving up as soon as someone else decided it wasn't worth it. It turns out that when you know how to use rhetoric, you can use it to write the essays and answer the interview questions that pay for your useless degree :)
@@markdavids2511 none, I got a full tuition scholarship. turns out the "passion" you're trying to condescend is also a skill that writes the essays and answers the interview questions that get you things :)
I can really recommend Not for Profit by Martha Nussbaum on the value of the humanities. I have a master's degree in applied philosophy and thinking back on 5 years of studying philosophy I feel really good about my choice. It changed and transformed me into a greater critical thinker with capacity to learn new perspectives. I have learned how to have a critical discussion in a friendly manner on important topics. The value of philosophy is in my eyes not its potential for creating profit or developing new technology. It is that philosophy guards slow and critical thinking from the fast paced hamster wheel of an existence that most people live in today. Philosophy graduates can also create value for companies because of these unique skills that take time to develop but it probably takes more time and effort to make a non-philosophy graduate understand this value than other philosophers.
For me, I have given up on so much because it is all just too expensive (like owning my own home among other things). I have concluded after the pandemic and our current economic crisis that it does not matter what I study, because I will never be able to "make enough." Therefore, I am studying a subject I love and gets me excited which is my beautiful English language. People have said I light up when talking about books and writing. My spirit feels so fulfilled when I write and read, and study the masters. I am so freaking excited to finish out my Bachelor's program this August after my year break from my Associates and have already began reading some of my course materials I saw from previous syllabuses so I can already have an idea what I will be reading and studying. I love learning about different cultures, beliefs, and history through stories. And I am the one weirdo for the most part I actually really enjoy essays because I get the chance to talk and talk about something I love and if it is something I am truly interested in I have to have word limits because I also tend to really deep dive lol.
So yes, I am majoring in English, because I love it! It is for me to grow as a person, and I am going to use it because I am a writer myself. I hope to work in a library and even become and editor to help others in my craft! So in a world where nothing seems attainable anymore I say screw it and I'm going to study something I love even if I don't make a ton of money. Because to me as long as my bills are paid I don't care to be rich, just to foster my love of the subjects that make me excited and want to keep learning! I am also planning to get my Masters in English as well!
Do what makes you happy, study what you love, life is too short to study what you hate, have a job you hate, to not even make enough anyway.
Also I am kind of wanting to take some philosophy courses to study religious texts (I am just personally interested in why people believe in religion) and considering taking fine art courses :)
This is a viewpoint I wish was more common. Not all of us want to be rich or the next Bill Gates. There is more to life than being cogs in the economic machine.
Why would people interested in humanities study anything else? The world doesn't need any more half-assed doctors, engineers, and scientists. Chances are if a person who cares only for humanities studies a science degree they will often always fail that science degree due to no interest and it will be "useless" too.
I study English and History at university, but did Biology as one of my A-levels... and I was terrible at it. So why would I knowingly go into a degree in the sciences where my only experience of it is failure and hatred when I can go into something I love and have spent my whole life dedicated to studying both in school and in my own time. I want to be a teacher, as I cannot see myself possibly doing anything else, as teachers have consistently been the most inspiring things in my life, and the best of those who have changed my life have always come from the humanities. I would choose Shakespeare over sciences any day.
this.
I found my passion for humanities early on and was lucky enough to have parents who supported my dream and didn't oppose it much. However, from time to time I still get kind of embarassed to tell what my major is when meeting new people (I suppose it's because at least in my area STEM subjects are seen as superior)
I felt this way 100% while I was still earning my Bachelor's. Now that I've completed it and can't afford to continue school and am struggling to make enough money to survive, I wish I had minored in my passions and focused on something I knew could make me enough money at least to have a more stable future. One of the frustrating things is that while in school all of these skills seem incredible to put toward jobs, in our current world none of these skills are valued and rarely actually get us even into the interview stage. I wholeheartedly would not take back my degree. I loved it. I loved school. I want to continue studying and learning, and I am. But I would also love to be able to afford to go back to college and continue in the environment that is so difficult to recreate outside of school. Sadly, it will likely be a while before I can afford to do so.
I hope everyone can follow their passions and learn more about the world and the people around them and cultures and communication and language and expression. I also hope we can figure out how to eat and have shelter and sustain ourselves.
I'm thankful for RC Waldun's videos. I was slightly de-motivated to pursue the humanities. Now I feel much better about myself. I feel more confident in this English program. It isn't about finding a job, but understanding and analyzing complex social issues.
I started pursuing my masters in philosophy and theology in my 30s because I wanted to improve my leadership skills and writing. My undergrad major was digital media and video game design. I'm an ESL teacher in Korea. So don't get stuck on the job market when you go to school... you'll probably end up in places you never expected anyways.
Last year, I finished my history degree at an Australian university. I'm now working on a novel and (very slowly) building income by teaching online and journalism. Business stuff interests me and I've took courses on branding & marketing from Udemy. Haven't really applied for jobs.
Best of luck, everyone - especially to you, Robin. Will check out your Skillshare class. (hey, it's where I teach!) I have no regrets studying history. I get comments like 'what are you doing with that?' or 'should've done STEM'- urgh. But I get encouragement, and I've improved so much as a writer and storyteller. My tip for humanities students is to a) learn auxillary skills: language, marketing, software, teaching, design etc. b) become a beast at writing. Seriously, so many think they are good writers. The ability to communicate your ideas well is actually rare.
Smart young dude! I’m 34 and I quit college with 17 credits left. Going back now to finish it just for fun. I think it will open up opportunities and get me back on track career-wise.
After a complete and utter breakdown in 2019 I reorganised my life and have now started a second B.A. in Anglophone Studies and Communication Science. Best decision of my life, I'm immensely enjoying it. Yes, it's hard because I still have to work and earn money alongside my studies, but it's so worth it! I was forced to do a lot of rest and soul-searching over the last two years and my health forced me to reassess my priorities. Studying the humanities is helping me with this process. I love diving head-first into literature and different schools of thought on the nature of human communication!
Wow, this video is Godsent. My teacher and I were literally just talking why I should continue to study the humanities. Great video as always!
i study the humanities, because im obsessed with czech literature… so many gems! i just cant stop reading and wanting to learn more about czech republic and the language. thats what i dreamt of in high school. finally learning what i am interested in and actually finding pleasure in studying!
Hello from Czech Republic!
Another hello from Czech republic! 😊
i love this so much!! 5:00 "you need to know how to take that temperament and run with it" i hope everyone reading this figures it out
You turned cool as hell Robin!
I am a primary school teacher with two literature degrees. The need for critical thinking, sound argument and thoughtful communication to teach kids how to investigate and weave through the tsunami of mis/information is needed more than ever. Humanities disciples must continue to proclaim the virtues of the disciple.
I don´t know if you are going to read this but I'm a 22 year old girl whose passion are books, and even though my parents are not the happiest with that decision I know, deep inside me my life depends on it, I have tried to study something else, and it was the worst time of my life, I felt so sad at that moment, i want to study Literature and I want to make a big chance, maybe it's a useless dream, but want I want to do it´s to make books reachable to people, I want people to fell in love with books, and I'm going to spend the rest of my life doing so because they´re the most important thing to me, I wont give up.
You could work in Publishing with a Literature degree… only drawback is moving to New York or a major city for publishing in the country you’re from.
you have a beautiful reason and there's not anything more important than that! believe me, as a person who don't have any passion i would love to find anything in the world even if that means i'm not gonna be the most succesfull human being. I think having a purpose it's edverything you have to persue now a days. Keep it going!! Wishing you the best luck!
ur gonna be broke
@@beachwave5705 better than unhappy
I don't think u need a degree to become an author tbh
I remember my philosophy class which I needed to complete my degree. I loved it. Today, I love reading the humanities and I have more time to read …
I think that for a lot of people no matter what your field of study is you will probably end up working in whatever other thing, so my advice to young people is to just study whatever you feel like it. In the case of humanities, if you’re lucky you will work in your field, become a scholar, etc. but if not all these analytical skills we learn in college really help and go a long way in the “real world”.
I studied History but now I work a decent paid government job. Its something that has nothing to do with my degree but it was the writing and critical skills I learned during my college years that gave me an edge over the other people applying for the job. And yes, per se its not exactly fulfilling but I keep all my interests as little side gigs or even hobbies which calm my necessity for the knowledge of the humanities and arts.
I know you are a busy guy who already is doing a lot of things, but all I am say is...if you launched a podcast discussion your favorite elements of the the arts, culture, current events ( with a little bit French language sprinkled in) I would subscribe and listen almost every day. I get so much inspiration from your videos and I'm not even a college student anymore. Just a lifelong learner and flaneur.
Why can't you do a degree in the humanities and also get a useful qualification on the side where you can use a few of the skills you learn in the humanities in a more focused way.
I got my MA in history and I did a Grad Cert in employment law part time by Open Universities Australia. My Grad Cert in employment law allowed me to use some of my skills from studying history, for example I got to study the history of Australian industrial relations regulations, understand the political ideologies behind the laws, read old cases and legislation, etc. I found a job in a law firm and worked as a legal assistant.
I then did further study in my free time to turn my Grad Cert into a JD in law. In law school I liked to look at the historical and philosophical development of law and I always found a way to blend in history or philosophy to my studies (especially in Jurisprudence where I got to read a lot of philosophy). I completed my JD in 2019 and I completed my practical legal training in 2020. I got admitted as a lawyer in April 2021.
I work in a law firm, however I still love the humanities. In my free time I plan to take some leave from work and do a MA in philosophy. Learning is something you can do your entire life, while at the same time still holding a good paying job.
This is great advice. Be can still do a professional degree. Get job and still study for BA or MA degrees.
So I come from a Stem dominant environment and the hierarchy that comes with it but I'm sure this applies everywhere as well. I wish people would acknowledge that sometimes your mental health can be so turbulent and that you could be dealing with such heavy psychological affairs that considering to take up stem subjects is a luxury some of us can't afford, in this regard; that the viewpoint of arts students being whimsical and privileged for being able to and choosing to pursue the humanities shows a disconnect from the practical everyday problems of life is unfair. Some of us really don't have the stability or sanity to pursue stem the same way certain stem individuals claim not to have the resources to pursue the humanities.
wanted somehow to do the languages and literature degree, but accomplished the economics degree instead because of the job prospects and salary to survive in this world. Hope someday soon I will settle and close all the basic needs and then go and study languages and literature just for my soul. Now just kinda trying not to regret the choices I did and live in the present
You should've done a double major
I have an engineering degree. I worked as a data analyst for a couple of years. I wasn't satisfied, so I am now finishing up a theology master's and starting another master's in philosophy.
STEM background does allow you the luxury of feeling philosophical.
But starting out philosophical? Hell no
Is being a data analyst not worth it? I’m considering between medicine and software engineering, i have interest in medicine but don’t really know much about software engineering just that i can earn money faster. Idk what to do
I say study the Humanities, just not in university. All the info you need, even lectures, are available for free now. No reason to put yourself into debt anymore.
I agree with this, im surprised not many other people aren't mentioning this. I'm all for studying the humanities, but is it worth ending up in debt? That is a question everyone should ask themselves
Humanities is more than listening to lectures - it's turning information into sophisticated arguments. When I did my history degree, my writing skills skyrocketed. There is an advantage with set readings, imo. That said - is it worth the debt?
This is a really bad fallacious argument. The resources your college/uni provides you are practically unrivaled as far as academia goes. It's not at all the same as learning from some random UA-cam video.
I just found your channel and I'm in love with it! I really needed someone who understood the passion one can have in studying humanities
The qualification might not be all that in vogue unfortunately but the skills are still useful. The critical thinking and communication skills I acquired in my literature degree serve me well in my STEM dominated field.
i am absolutely in love with the humanities and so many people look down upon my academic choices because science is seen as superior and more important.
Well actually I have my university orientation program tomorrow and my classes are starting in a couple of days
I have done a complete 180 from science to humanities
Having studied physics, biology and chemistry in my intermediate years at school I just came to realize that I am better suited for humanites...and this video kind of sums up the point of choosing humanities over science for my higher education
Thankyou so much for this video
I think it's sad how liberal arts education has been killed in favor of a higher education system that exists solely to benefit capitalism. I'm in the US where higher education is extremely expensive and people often take on massive amounts of debt to get a degree. Many people in the US just care about whether or not their degree will get them a better job, and it's understandable why. But this view of higher education has to do with the system rather than the individuals. I studied math at university mainly because it was interesting to me. I'm still trying to figure out how to apply my degree in the labor force, but it's hard.
Heart warming, thank you sir, thank you
As a secular pursuit, liberal arts serve far greater purpose than merely securing post graduate employment. Unless medicine or science is career choice, the typical twenty-two year old newly-minted baccalaureate can expect to work in three or four radically different fields before retiring forty three years hence. And honing one's mind to a razor edge to prepare for life, not simply gainful employ, is the far better purpose of a college education.
Sincerely, i went to International Relations because i liked all the fields of study, but the more i study and leard about the world, more i see the need to stury anthropology and philosophy, i really feel the need. I really want to know what's happening inside and below all the decisions and beliefs. Maybe im just too curious
Marx is the way.
My relatives always taunt me for pursuing English Literature honors
My mom wanted me to study economics but it was not my thing.
I am bad at math😑
Figuring things out is a luxury most people don't have. I don't mean they can't but it takes time and effort to get something figured out then more time and effort to work out what the thing they figured out means, and then what it leads to. You have to work at thinking like a musician has to practice and an artist has to produce a lot of crap to get something good. Most people have to get from a to b or a to c without getting hit over the head by b... I don't want to say it's a waste of time but most people are too busy trying to go forward or not slip backward to even have that time to work with. In fact what time they do get they usually prefer not thinking as it makes them less prone to suffering about the chore of living they must deal with. Good luck with your ambition to think. But like I say most people don't have that luxury. They give up, thinking thinking is for other people like music is for musicians and art is for artists. Maybe they're right.
The use and understanding of language learned studying and its potential application in sales cannot be underestimated. Many sales people are boring and formulaic with their language. Being original with your language can make all the difference. You don't have to go high brow either, if anything basic descriptive and emotive language done well with some easy to understand figurative language can make all the difference in engaging someone looking to buy.
That is so weird because I read and study a lot of philosophy and psychology but I am not getting a degree on it.
I also read history, but I am becoming an art teacher instead.
Why? because sometimes we think too much on philosophies, politics, morals... I am merely a human I wish I could change the world but I can't with art I ignore everything and become a painter.
As a teacher I can at least teach some morals, some philosophies, and politics all within art.
I can take breaks and teach only the visual and skills, later I can climb back and be more skeptical and existential.
I can help people as they grow whether it is skilled based or philosophical.
Thank you for this!
You might enjoy reading Climbing Parnassus - it's an apologia for Latin and Greek specifically but a lot of the arguments would suit the point you are trying to make as well. I have a BA in classics (so the book was preaching to the choir in my case) which is the gold standard of making people ask "and what will you do with THAT?", so it was nice to read a cogent argument. Put bluntly: you study humanities, and classics, to make you a better person. It is not economically useful, thank God, it is far beyond that.
I hate when people say these degrees are useless and the only way to make a living is getting a STEM degree. 📜 Do they even know that not anyone is good at math and science? So if you really struggle at math you are better off not going to college at all?
Yes that's correct. There's no point going if you are unable to do a worthwhile degree.
Right-wing propaganda is abundant and unfortunately, it would ironically seem that many people lack the same critical thinking and logical reasoning skills that a humanities course would help you immensely in to prevent themselves from falling victim to it.
There are many fields in the humanities that pay well. Technical writing, paralegal, copywriter, marketing manager, I could go on.
@@allgoodnamestaken6002 it isn't right wing propaganda though. I have lived experience and I know that humanities/arts degrees are a waste of time and money. They won't open any doors for you in the jobs market.
@@patarciepaul Sounds to me like you didn't bother to do anything else other than getting the degree. You'd also have to do other things like build a portfolio, networking, internships, etc. Getting a degree should only be part of the journey. It doesn't matter what you major in, you'll still more than likely have to do more than the bare minimum to make yourself marketable.
@@allgoodnamestaken6002 Well that's not how it was sold. It was sold as a golden ticket to a lucrative career but 15 years on I am working alongside people who left school at 16. Worse to the point I take home less money than them because I have to repay my student loan out of the exact same money. Higher education has done the exact opposite as what was promised.
I started college at 39, got a BA in philosophy. I will say that I always thought Id be stuck in my thinking, but learning philosophy made me think 100% differently on everything i believed. I will be going onto my MA this fall. Is studying the Humanities worthless? Not at all; I truly believe that they are needed more than ever.
why do you sound like dwight from the office
Well, I studied Fine Arts with honours in Art History, and believe me, my work experience is... painful.
This just makes me want to study English and Philosophy more.
I decided to study philosophy because I find great joy in thinking a lot about impractical things.
Nice video Robin! Hey, can you make a video talking about social sciences?
My main goal has always been to dedicate my life, to the movements and changes I´d like to see in my not so developed country: Mexico.
I like most social sciences, but think that philosophy gives you more thinking/mental tools for your professional and personal life. For me, it's like studying mathematics, which by doing lots of proofs and being so abstract, will give you awesome thinking skills; rather than doing engineering, which in most cases, will evade proofs and being too abstract.
Thanks in advance!
I did a foundation degree in Digital Media Arts and before that I did a National Diploma in TV And Film and before that I did a first diploma in Media Production yet I'm stuck working in a shop. I turns out a Foundation Degree means nothing in the media industry which annoys me as I had to take out a student loan to pay for the tuition and I get told that on it's own it means nothing. They are more interested in what you make outside of your degree which leaves me wondering why pay for a degree if it's not a guarantee? The media industry I guess is a shallow place whether it's TV, Film or The Internet.
It just feels wrong when I ignore the itch of thinking this way. I envy the people who can get out of bed without having to appease to your body that you have to get out. The sun’s out but it’s bleak. I often view myself as weird.
Thank you!
We live a versatile and robust economy. There are plenty of jobs to occupy. If you’re not educated in humanities in some degree you don’t know much. The ability to think, communicate, write and be well read shouldn’t be underestimated.
In India, especially in Bengal, humanities isn't a useless subject for everyone. Rather it's the course for the elites, who come from wealthy families, can afford to stay unemployed for a long time just to follow their passion. But eventually they get to pretty good places.
That must be why Jhumpa Lahiri's parents allowed to become an author. If you aren't familiar, she's a notable Indian American writer of Bengali ethnicity.
@@danielcarvalho1453 I am aware(I'm a Bengali)
This year I started my magister degree in programming, and it fucking sucked from the very beginning of the bachelors, to be honest. I constantly regret "my" choice (my dad is a programmer, and I sorta wanted to make him proud, but there was no pressure from him or anybody else) to start all this. I long for history, literature, philosophy, languages and human psychology constantly. I try to self-study some of this, but university studying takes most of my time and mental capacity. IT just feels like it is not for me. I want to understand our situation as humans on this tiny planet. I feel this void inside of me every day. I feel like this year I will eventually fail my studies due to numerous mental breakdowns. Fuck it, I will be someone else in the end.
Not anyone can be Sartre, but Sartre can come from anyone.
ratatouille tings.
Great choice ! I'm close to 40 . I say your choice in your 20 is great. I hadn't that chance.
If I were You. I'll take My English literature degree and learn coding online. Online Degrees and online courses for computer....
There are a lots.
Anyways, you earned a new sub
I had a belive in you, only you can take this conversation seriously and talk about the minds of all the humanities students
If you want to get a job go to trade school, if you want to make the jobs study the humanities
you make videos about questions i ask myself everyday ... like what degree should i choose... why that degree instead of other... logic and emotion are in a battle
Thank you
I'm studying molecular genetics, and through these years I've been thinking about quitting and starting humanities.Everyone advised me to stick. Science donot answer my questions and leave me unsatisfied.I really up to people who study humanities for their understanding of life in gemeral.I feel like I'm wasting my life, but I'm so indecisive.
I don’t believe we have a lot of choice about what interests us.
A stem degree teaches you how to be a robot, studying humanities teaches you how to think critically
- a Stem Major
nice cope
@@FlanPoirot am literally a stem major lmfao
"bUt YoU ShOuLd aLrEaDy KnOw hOw tO tHiNk cRiTiCaLlY!!!111!!" - Someone who failed an introductory English course.
I’m kind of torn between English and Sociology, but since I’m dissatisfied with the reality of our world and where our society is heading, I think I might just choose English just so I can dive into Gothic, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, all of which the course I intend to apply for offers.
Robin, let me suggest that if you are not already keeping a journal to start doing so. In fact, save everything you write. At some point, down the road of life, older Robin will meet younger Robin and the reunion will be a revelation. It is encouraging for me, as an older man, to see thoughtful content like yours.
In the past people read books sat around and discussed them. Now they pay for a piece of paper to say they did it.
idk what to do after finishing my bechelor's degree literature or linguistics
Law is not much better either. It's just glorified English literature if you don't be a lawyer. I'm a law graduate who's not good enough to be qualified as a lawyer, and now im struggling to find work cuz i lack numerical background. I tried compliance but requires economic. I tried HR but companies prefer real HR. Also the big ego being hyped up by the society doesn't help.
Why accrue a mountain of student loan debt going to a university to study humanities, when you can get a library card.
good point
Well, yes and no. A library card is a great thing, if the library is of a good standard. But it will, by and large, only get you so far. A great teacher is great not for the wisdom they pass on to you but through the questions they ask which, as RC points out, can turn your world upside down. Not impossible to do alone, but your reading could so easily become something that constantly confirms your existing biases and never really helps you to grow.
Forces you to read something you otherwise wouldn't. Also the nature of having assignments set for you its hard to challenge yourself truly if you're the only one pushing yourself.
This is good
My sister has three friends with a BA in philosophy. They all got hired assembling cars at Toyota.
University is only useful if you plan on going into engineering, medicine, accounting or finance. You can study humanities in your free time and build something out of it without needing to spend thousands on a degree with little job outcomes and those jobs most likely don't need you to have a degree.
It’s really not the same to study alone in your free time and actually doing a degree!
This guy is HILARIOUS
Hey Waldun,
What are your thoughts on Jordan Peterson and his work?
Its indeed a temperament.
What is the point of reading??
this is something that Ive been struggling with for months. that my major is not cool enough or I should be studying something else for the sake of being accepted or cool:} after watching this video I feel like alright maybe Im not the only one. thank youu:}
That excitement about learning about ideas is going to go away. Rent, utilities etc. are going to require payment. We live in a material world, and the humanities didn't help me pay the bills. College was a waste of time.
Theatre degree here...ok BA and MFA in progress
Im in love
I like your videos.
he gets it
I’m my high school in Africa it was a shame for a guy to say I’m good at English or History 😂 but it’s normal I guess
I read a lot of Foucault and Freud. lmao
If profit from a degree in philosophy then go into law.
How come he doesn't have an Australian accent. He sounds like he's from California... Just asking...curious...
U look like Trisha takanawa but u sound like brian from family guy…nice going
❤️
I study electrical engineering. And for me it look the same useless thing
wherever you live , if you think That spending your best time in your life on humanity is going to help you financially you are in deep illusion.
Sorry to mention that but the humanities teaches you how to persuade while physics and math how to prove.
Dark Academia 🌝😊🙂
why do you pronounce things more like an american than an aussie?