As a freshman, I was enamored with the predictive power of physics, viewing it as the pinnacle of human achievement. However, my introductory physics course prompted a shift in my perspective. While still intrigued by the subject, I craved a balance between theory and practical application, particularly in aerospace. I was fueled by a lifelong passion for flight and an intense fascination with science fiction. This led me to pursuing a dual degree in physics and aerospace engineering, a path where I could combine theoretical depth with hands-on engineering skills.
During this time, like many freshmen, I was taking my first-year writing seminar. Toward the end of the term, my professor gave what he called his “shameless pitch for the humanities.” Holding a Ph.D. in French literature, he emphasized the importance of the humanities and the liberal arts as a whole, tracing their roots back to ancient Greek thinkers like Plato and Socrates. Initially, I didn’t see the value in including humanities and social sciences in my undergraduate studies. However, about a week later, I discussed this advice with a respected mentor. He pointed out a compelling historical trend: the longer one’s education remains broad and unspecialized, the more prolific you will become.
A brief scan of this history proves this point. Leonardo da Vinci studied a wide variety of disciplines, from art to science to engineering, even delving into anatomy. In doing so, his breadth of knowledge allowed him to impact multiple fields. Benjamin Franklin’s experiments with electricity complemented his work in natural philosophy. And, through mixing philosophy with his studies in politics, he became the prolific diplomat we know him as today.
Some may argue that focusing solely on science, technology, engineering and math is the most lucrative path, given the high-income potential in these areas and their concerns about the perceived “death of the humanities.” While it’s true that STEM majors often command higher starting salaries and face higher demand in certain industries, education doesn’t have to be an either-or proposition. By integrating STEM and humanities studies, you can cultivate a broader skill set and perspective. Embracing a well-rounded education that encompasses both STEM and humanities can lead to greater creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Perhaps most interestingly, research shows that when your undergraduate education remains broad, you will earn more in your lifetime, independent of socioeconomic status when entering college. It shows that those with a liberal arts education have a more than 60% chance of landing in the top two highest tax brackets in the U.S.
Realizing the importance of a comprehensive education, I crafted an ambitious five-year undergraduate path at the University of Michigan. This included pursuing three majors (physics, aerospace engineering and philosophy) and a minor in German. Additionally, I dedicated two years to French language courses, joined a drama class and participated in the TEDxUofM speakers team to enhance my public speaking skills. I also decided to write to refine my persuasive and informative abilities.
Having read that last paragraph, you may begin to think that I am crazy, and I might agree. But I encourage you to do the same – join a club, take an extra course or even add an extra major. There is no drawback to learning more. While at times, needing to complete distribution credits is a nuisance, I now see that they are a blessing rather than a curse. So in keeping with the tradition of my freshman writing seminar professor, here is my plug for a liberal arts education.
Although a single degree may seem the most efficient use of your time, I implore you to shift your perspective from what you want to do with your life to who you want to become. Most of us at this University want to get a job that has some impact, meaning or purpose on the world around us. If that is our goal, then we should search for every tool we can fit into our intellectual toolboxes. We should all sacrifice a small amount of our free time and take that class that fuels our fiery curiosity and strive to become the largest contributor to society we can be. In the truest sense, the most prolific people in history are those with profound curiosity. Ironically, if we want to raise the best versions of ourselves, we must remain childlike, always yearning for the next question. In the end, I hope that we all take the wisdom of the liberal arts to heart, and in doing so, make Plato proud.
Seth Gabrielson is an Opinion Columnist who writes about the intersection of politics, science and philosophy, while studying physics, philosophy, aerospace engineering and German. He can be reached at semiel@umich.edu.
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