Why the Humanities?

To tide you over until chapter 2 of The Iliad is ready, here are my thoughts on why the humanities are important.

First, the humanities are fun and make life richer. Granted, this can take a wide variety of forms. But life would be so grey and dull without music, art literature, theater, dance, movies and TV, etc.

Second, science is very good about telling us about what is possible. And that is wonderful! It is thanks to that kind of thinking that landed a man on the moon over four decades ago. But science can tell us nothing about whether we should do something. This is the great strength of the humanities. In these various formats, we can explore the consequences of various actions in a simulation so to speak.

Third, science, even social science, doesn’t tell us very much about people as individual personalities. This again is where the humanities can help us. Through literature we can vicariously live lives that are not our own. Through music we can have universal feelings evoked. The humanities can expose us to experiences and ideas we will never have in the natural course of events. This will hopefully make us more empathetic with our fellow man.

So, these are some pretty good arguments for modern humanities, but what about the classics, that tend to make the core of humanities? Again, this exposes us to cultures, experiences, and ideas that are not our own, hopefully broadening out worldview. It also shows us that for all the time that has passed since the creation of some of these masterpieces, in some fundamental ways humanity hasn’t changed very much. Achilles’ rage is a good example. Do you know anyone with that much rage and pride in your life? Maybe they would benefit from reading The Iliad.

I would love to hear from you. Why do you think we need the humanities? Why do you think the classics are still important and relevant?