Society's Foundation Eroding: A Look at the Crumbling Pillars of Humanity
In the realm of knowledge, the humanities and literary studies hold a unique and irreplaceable position. They represent the beginning, the foundation, with history, books, and texts serving as archives of invaluable information. These disciplines offer an understanding of change over time, helping us trace the long-term evolution of our hypotheses [1][5].
The significance of the humanities is evident in their role as society shapers. They foster critical thinking, cultural understanding, and human-centered perspectives that tackle complex social issues. Through exploration of the human condition, they contribute to the development of informed, empathetic citizens, which is essential for democracy, education, and cultural continuity [3][5].
Institutions like the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities have been instrumental in this endeavour. They support educators and communities, helping teachers integrate local and global histories into curricula and funding humanities research that addresses real-world challenges [1][5].
However, in the digital era, the perceived value of literature and humanities has been on a steady decline. This shift is largely due to cultural and economic factors favouring technological innovation and measurable economic impact over humanistic inquiry and artistic expression [3][4][5].
The humanities, with their emphasis on empathy and reflection, are often seen as a "minor cultural form" in the face of contemporary culture's prioritization of technological innovation and market-driven forms of knowledge [4]. This trend is further accentuated by the prioritization of STEM fields for economic growth, reducing the visibility and perceived practical utility of the humanities [2].
The historical tension between artistic ideals and societal upheavals, as seen in modernist literature, underscores the humanities' role in grappling with the complexity of human experience, a contrast to the modern preference for direct, technology-based utility [2].
The decline in the perceived value of humanities is not without consequences. In 2021, the number of students graduating with a major in the humanities fell for the ninth straight year [6]. Many students are drawn to STEM majors due to the perceived benefits of high-paying jobs.
However, the unappreciated importance of humanities lies in the human characteristics of empathy and reflection they contain. Stories, for instance, are unique collections of voices, not mere retellings of history [7]. They evoke a profound sense of nostalgia and offer a mirror to our society, helping us understand and empathize with diverse perspectives [8].
In an effort to bridge this gap, colleges and schools are integrating humanities with STEM fields through interdisciplinary collaboration and program creation. An example of this is the Bronx High School of Science, which will implement a new Advanced Placement English Literature class focused on "science, medicine, and literature" for the 2024-2025 academic year [9].
In conclusion, the humanities and literature, despite their declining perceived value, remain crucial in shaping societies, fostering critical engagement with culture, history, and ethics, and supporting education. Their unique ability to address human experiences and promote empathy and reflection makes them an invaluable part of our cultural and educational landscape [3][4][5].
References:
- The Importance of the Humanities
- The Humanities and the Idea of Progress
- The Humanities in a Time of Crisis
- The Decline of the Humanities
- The Humanities in the Digital Age
- The Humanities Majors Crisis
- Stories as Unique Collections of Voices
- The Power of Nostalgia in Stories
- Bronx High School of Science's New AP English Literature Class
- The humanities offer an unparalleled education in fostering empathy and critical thinking, essential components for building an informed society that values cultural continuity and understanding.
- Through literature, we gain insight into the human condition, learning from the voices of the past to appreciate diverse perspectives and develop a more compassionate outlook on current social issues.
- In balancing the pursuit of technological innovation with the value of humanistic inquiry, education-and-self-development curriculums should recognize the importance of literature and the humanities in shaping our culture, ethics, and collective identity.
