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How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value
In How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value, Professor Michael D. C. Drout gives an impassioned defense and celebration of the value of the liberal arts. Charting the evolution of the liberal arts from their roots in the educational system of Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and to the present day, Drout shows how the liberal arts have consistently been "the tools to rule", essential to the education of the leaders of society. Offering a reasoned defense of their continuing value, Drout also provides suggestions for improving the state of the liberal arts in contemporary society.
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First published July 8, 2013
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July 16, 2015
This was extremely interesting. Professor Drout gives the background of the Liberal Arts and explains why he thinks it is important. His main focus is that the Liberal Arts teach us how to think. For years, I have hated the elections. For about 6 months every time you turn on the television, you hear contradictions, fuzzy thinking and criticism of the opponent based on the most idiotic comparisons. When we finally get these folks elected, they cannot possibly do the things they promised, but they still make speeches which try to convince us that they have done exactly what they said when even the simplest of us can see that they haven't.
For years, I have asked if any of these politicians, or voters, know how to think. This course should be required reading! Professor Drout explains how to think based on the ancient Greek/Roman systems. He explores faulty arguments and sloppy comparisons. He shows us that the liberal arts give us a basis of facts and situations which enable us to come up with solutions that can actually work. A study of history, literature, philosophy, and others give us a database that we can refer to when approaching big and little situations.
He gave the example of our Founding Fathers, all of whom had a classical education. Not only did they create a government, but they also did it without using reams of paper.
For years, I have asked if any of these politicians, or voters, know how to think. This course should be required reading! Professor Drout explains how to think based on the ancient Greek/Roman systems. He explores faulty arguments and sloppy comparisons. He shows us that the liberal arts give us a basis of facts and situations which enable us to come up with solutions that can actually work. A study of history, literature, philosophy, and others give us a database that we can refer to when approaching big and little situations.
He gave the example of our Founding Fathers, all of whom had a classical education. Not only did they create a government, but they also did it without using reams of paper.
April 9, 2017
I willingly admit that I am a total fanboy of Michael C. Drout's work. He is the author of several lecture series from Recorded Book's Modern Scholar line. His lively voice, amusing asides, and excitement over nerdy things add a level of interest to the lectures that other Modern Scholar lecturers seem to miss. This lecture series is no different as he delves into the history, the values, the importance, and the problems with the Liberal Arts as a major centerpiece of modern education. It's worth a listen for everyone who works in the liberal arts and more so for those who wish to devalue (and ultimately, defund) the liberal arts as it provides a good strong explanation as to their cultural importance.
If you enjoyed this review, feel free to check out my other reviews and writings at By Any Other Nerd /
If you enjoyed this review, feel free to check out my other reviews and writings at By Any Other Nerd /
November 18, 2013
What do you get from a liberal arts education? The Tools to Rule--and not be ruled by others. Drout demonstrates how mastery of one area of human knowledge--along with an interconnected understanding of other areas--gives people the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze and address the problems we face in life, either individually or as part of a group. And he shows how this often confers advantages in leadership and adaptability to the liberal arts graduate. I love that his demonstration includes a multi-level analysis of the first section of Beowulf, which alone is worth the price of admission.
June 17, 2014
Reinforces my commitment to homeschooling with a neoclassical/liberal arts bent.
As he says, it's not about which texts, which works of art, which music you study, but it's the process of learning to study these things and formulate your own ideas about them that is important. The liberal arts are the ticket to being part of "the vast continuum" of human knowledge and culture.
As he says, it's not about which texts, which works of art, which music you study, but it's the process of learning to study these things and formulate your own ideas about them that is important. The liberal arts are the ticket to being part of "the vast continuum" of human knowledge and culture.
August 5, 2023
This book/lecture series is a description and defense of studies in the “liberal arts.” Prof. Drout cuts to the chase in the last lecture, Lecture 8, when he summarizes the arguments people commonly make against pursuing a liberal arts degree. These are: (1) the cost exceeds the benefit, (2) it has a far left political bias, and (3) there is no content of real value.
The first criticism is that a liberal arts education is too expensive when compared to the payoff, in terms of income potential. Or as one critic quipped: “Will you end up working at Starbucks, and then just feel superior to everybody else?” Drout says no—you will probably end up being “the boss”, having intellectual skills that make you good at resolving messy, complex problems and managing conflicting ideas, making you a leader rather than just a technician. It gives you the “tools to rule.”
On the second criticism, Drout admits that academia is populated with mostly political liberals and doesn’t offer much of a defense, admitting that greater diversity of opinion would be desirable. In general, I wouldn’t disagree with this. But in some instances, it’s logical outcome. If, say, a higher percentage of climatologists believe in anthropogenetic climate change (an idea derided by many on the right) than in the general population, does that mean that climatologists are a bunch of liberal hacks?
The third point is that there is less content in the subject matter, and more just use for social signaling. Drout says that this may sometimes happen, but that’s not what a liberal arts education is all about. On a further note, some say that a student should study the liberal arts later, once they have completed a degree that gives them income-generating skills. Yes, maybe in some instances. But at that point, one is less likely to do so. Depending on the individual, it may be better to do the opposite. We probably wouldn’t have the music of Beethoven if his father had told him: “Ludwig, you must get a degree in accounting first, then you can pursue your interest in music.”
I think that anyone will “think better” if they pursue a well-rounded education, one that includes the conventional liberal arts along with the “hard sciences”, and then perhaps develop their “marketability” with a graduate education in one’s chosen field. Those who think otherwise might do well to consider the thoughts of William Deresiewicz: “Anyone who tells you that the sole purpose of education is the acquisition of negotiable skills is attempting to reduce you to a productive employee at work, a gullible consumer in the marketplace, and a docile subject of the state.”
The first criticism is that a liberal arts education is too expensive when compared to the payoff, in terms of income potential. Or as one critic quipped: “Will you end up working at Starbucks, and then just feel superior to everybody else?” Drout says no—you will probably end up being “the boss”, having intellectual skills that make you good at resolving messy, complex problems and managing conflicting ideas, making you a leader rather than just a technician. It gives you the “tools to rule.”
On the second criticism, Drout admits that academia is populated with mostly political liberals and doesn’t offer much of a defense, admitting that greater diversity of opinion would be desirable. In general, I wouldn’t disagree with this. But in some instances, it’s logical outcome. If, say, a higher percentage of climatologists believe in anthropogenetic climate change (an idea derided by many on the right) than in the general population, does that mean that climatologists are a bunch of liberal hacks?
The third point is that there is less content in the subject matter, and more just use for social signaling. Drout says that this may sometimes happen, but that’s not what a liberal arts education is all about. On a further note, some say that a student should study the liberal arts later, once they have completed a degree that gives them income-generating skills. Yes, maybe in some instances. But at that point, one is less likely to do so. Depending on the individual, it may be better to do the opposite. We probably wouldn’t have the music of Beethoven if his father had told him: “Ludwig, you must get a degree in accounting first, then you can pursue your interest in music.”
I think that anyone will “think better” if they pursue a well-rounded education, one that includes the conventional liberal arts along with the “hard sciences”, and then perhaps develop their “marketability” with a graduate education in one’s chosen field. Those who think otherwise might do well to consider the thoughts of William Deresiewicz: “Anyone who tells you that the sole purpose of education is the acquisition of negotiable skills is attempting to reduce you to a productive employee at work, a gullible consumer in the marketplace, and a docile subject of the state.”
September 27, 2021
Is this really a book? It seems more like a lecture series to me but regardless its very interesting. Here are my major takeaways: 1.) A liberal arts education teaches students how to solve complex problems. ( where else does one learn not to invade Russia in the winter?) 2.) Liberal Arts originated during Ancient Roman times. The curriculum was intended to educate people and "liberate" them by teaching them how to rule and not be ruled b people to
June 29, 2024
I love Professor Drout's courses. Not only are they always interesting, well thought out, and informative, but his enthusiasm comes through and is infectious. This is a great examination of the liberal arts, their purpose and history, and why they still matter, and despite his natural love of his own subject, he acknowledges the weaknesses both inherent in the subject and particular to this specific time, as well as suggesting how they can be addressed.
June 5, 2023
A professors lessons on how liberal arts emerged. A pleasant Greek trivium and quadrivium.
The trivium consists of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, while the quadrivium consists of arithmetic, astronomy, music, and geometry.
The rise of liberal arts in grammar, rhetoric, and logic that helped provide transformative change in 18 century.
The trivium consists of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, while the quadrivium consists of arithmetic, astronomy, music, and geometry.
The rise of liberal arts in grammar, rhetoric, and logic that helped provide transformative change in 18 century.
August 17, 2024
Yeah... I am not awe stricken or anything.
The best part was the bit about the history and development of the liberal arts, although that was quite short.
Will try to put some sentences together later or so.
Meanwhile: If you need some justification for studying liberal arts, this is good to reinforce some beliefs, formulate some arguments etc.
The best part was the bit about the history and development of the liberal arts, although that was quite short.
Will try to put some sentences together later or so.
Meanwhile: If you need some justification for studying liberal arts, this is good to reinforce some beliefs, formulate some arguments etc.
October 29, 2018
I really enjoyed listening to these lectures and I look forward to listening to more of them!
September 2, 2020
I have always told people that being a math major taught me how to think—a skill that has proven valuable in the whole breadth of my life whether in parenting, planning a home improvement project, developing business strategies, handling personnel issues, sitting on church committees, preparing talks, or doing research. It disciplined my mind while also, at the higher levels of math, helped me think abstractly, though with practical ends in mind. But Michael Drout, in these eight audio lectures, makes a compelling case that these skills may also be due to my training in English and history.
This robust, engaging defense of the liberal arts begins with their origins. The Romans developed a curriculum of seven libre (meaning free, which we call “liberal”) disciplines—liberal because they were for free men, citizens who would one day be in charge of not just politics and the military but business and culture. The Romans were practical and in their minds these disciplines gave up-and-coming citizens the “tools to rule.”
Want to be a good boss or effective manager or skilled civic servant? The Roman thought the liberal arts were the place to start. Why?
For the Romans, grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric were the key disciplines on which was built the next level--arithmetic, geometry, music, architecture. How did these three lay the foundation? Rhetoric was obvious—leaning how to convince people to do what you said was necessary to rulers, bosses, managers. But grammar and dialectic also played a part.
Today the liberal arts (English, literature, languages, history, etc.) teach us is how to develop pattern recognition, how to analyze complex action and motive. They teach us to use analogy and metaphor. They teach us how to do research and find relevant information amidst a blizzard of data. Because life is so messy, these are invaluable tools when managers, parents, or committee chairs come up against situations they haven’t encountered before. In short, this is how we problem solve.
With good humor and an engaging style, Drout makes the interesting argument that the sciences (which he loves and appreciates) may have gotten as far as they have because they are easier than the liberal arts. After all, is it easier predicting what will happen to a certain combination of molecules or what will happen to a certain combination of humans? Both are enormously difficult, and Drout is hopeful that we will be able to profitably apply measurement to English literature and history—as has begun to happen with sociology and psychology.
Drout also includes a lecture on what is wrong with the liberal arts today, which may not interest everyone, though I also found this both balanced and passionate.
Overall these lectures answer, “What will I do with an English, language, music, drama, arts, or library science major?” Such an education is valuable for its own sake. But when parents or students are loading up tens of thousands of dollars of debt, he has a practical response too. Based on the life after college that Drout has seen among his graduates who have gained the ability to think, analyze, and problem solve, he says, “You will be the boss.”
This robust, engaging defense of the liberal arts begins with their origins. The Romans developed a curriculum of seven libre (meaning free, which we call “liberal”) disciplines—liberal because they were for free men, citizens who would one day be in charge of not just politics and the military but business and culture. The Romans were practical and in their minds these disciplines gave up-and-coming citizens the “tools to rule.”
Want to be a good boss or effective manager or skilled civic servant? The Roman thought the liberal arts were the place to start. Why?
For the Romans, grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric were the key disciplines on which was built the next level--arithmetic, geometry, music, architecture. How did these three lay the foundation? Rhetoric was obvious—leaning how to convince people to do what you said was necessary to rulers, bosses, managers. But grammar and dialectic also played a part.
Today the liberal arts (English, literature, languages, history, etc.) teach us is how to develop pattern recognition, how to analyze complex action and motive. They teach us to use analogy and metaphor. They teach us how to do research and find relevant information amidst a blizzard of data. Because life is so messy, these are invaluable tools when managers, parents, or committee chairs come up against situations they haven’t encountered before. In short, this is how we problem solve.
With good humor and an engaging style, Drout makes the interesting argument that the sciences (which he loves and appreciates) may have gotten as far as they have because they are easier than the liberal arts. After all, is it easier predicting what will happen to a certain combination of molecules or what will happen to a certain combination of humans? Both are enormously difficult, and Drout is hopeful that we will be able to profitably apply measurement to English literature and history—as has begun to happen with sociology and psychology.
Drout also includes a lecture on what is wrong with the liberal arts today, which may not interest everyone, though I also found this both balanced and passionate.
Overall these lectures answer, “What will I do with an English, language, music, drama, arts, or library science major?” Such an education is valuable for its own sake. But when parents or students are loading up tens of thousands of dollars of debt, he has a practical response too. Based on the life after college that Drout has seen among his graduates who have gained the ability to think, analyze, and problem solve, he says, “You will be the boss.”
March 6, 2016
As Professor Drout notes, this is a deviation from his prior lectures, in that he is looking to advocate a position instead of his others, which are mainly informative. He does an excellent job of making his case, while also being very informative. He is not afraid to address the critics - as a matter of fact, he does so head-on.
As with all of his other Modern Scholar sessions, this one is well-organized and well-presented. As an engineer, I can readily identify with the "tech" side. However, similar to many who have corresponded, I have seen extra value and enjoyment, especially later in life in indulging in the liberal arts.
Not surprisingly, I think his material shortchanges the "tech" arts (sciences), where I think he could have devoted a lecture to them and related them into the liberal arts - strengthening his argument to the techies. I am afraid that he may only be preaching to those of us in the choir, rather than "converting" anyone.
I love the fact that he invites dissent and disagreement with his points. I think that this openness and willingness to listen to the other side's arguments is what makes him such a good presenter.
I recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed Professor Drout's other lectures. It will give you a new perspective on what you have listened to in the past.
As with all of his other Modern Scholar sessions, this one is well-organized and well-presented. As an engineer, I can readily identify with the "tech" side. However, similar to many who have corresponded, I have seen extra value and enjoyment, especially later in life in indulging in the liberal arts.
Not surprisingly, I think his material shortchanges the "tech" arts (sciences), where I think he could have devoted a lecture to them and related them into the liberal arts - strengthening his argument to the techies. I am afraid that he may only be preaching to those of us in the choir, rather than "converting" anyone.
I love the fact that he invites dissent and disagreement with his points. I think that this openness and willingness to listen to the other side's arguments is what makes him such a good presenter.
I recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed Professor Drout's other lectures. It will give you a new perspective on what you have listened to in the past.
July 26, 2016
Great lecture series about the history of liberal arts and their value. I especially enjoyed the section on Beowulf. He identifies the gifts offered by liberal arts, including a broader picture, problem solving solutions, methods of understanding/communicating, and tools to rule, and gives many reasons why liberal arts majors become great employees who can make valuable contributions. I was lucky enough to have parents who encouraged reading and a great high school English teacher who made me think and reminded us that there are only 2 things that change us--the people we meet and the books we read.
July 9, 2015
This is a good set of lectures, but I doubt it will appeal to a lot of people. Basically, these lectures are essentially a series of discussions of the benefits of the liberal arts. It's a solid and well-rounded investigation of the subject. I always enjoy listening to Drout's ideas and explanations, but this is perhaps not the best introduction to his work and teaching. Still, if the subject matter is of interest, you'll probably enjoy this.
June 19, 2015
Addresses some of the critiques of Liberal Arts as a discipline. It also helps give a historical context for what the reason for liberal arts existence. Overall it was good but I think more depth would have helped the study.
I do agree with the assessment that the liberal arts are the "tools to rule." and that the liberal arts need to maintain a neutrality for looking at items from the past.
I do agree with the assessment that the liberal arts are the "tools to rule." and that the liberal arts need to maintain a neutrality for looking at items from the past.
October 18, 2016
There is something so satisfying about how Drout teaches you while teaching you. He takes the information he's sharing, throws in historical representations os the data and then rounds it out with full explanations of every bit of information he shares (even adding defining comments at the ends seemingly random rabbit holes and tangents). I'm always as amazed as I am enlightened.
January 18, 2017
This is a nice small course. It would be good to help a student to decide if a liberal arts education is right for him, or not. It would also be good for the parents of the student.
The one remarkable lecture is number 6. He uses Beowulf as a case study to show the complicated set of disciplines required to study an old text.
The one remarkable lecture is number 6. He uses Beowulf as a case study to show the complicated set of disciplines required to study an old text.
March 24, 2015
I loved this! It put together all the pieces of understanding I have gleaned over the years. Dr. Drout is a great presenter who makes complex ideas accessible to lay people. I encourage readers/listeners to check this one out! Worth the time!
August 31, 2013
Nice course on liberal arts!
The tools you need to Rule. =)
The tools you need to Rule. =)
August 9, 2016
Well worth the time.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews