Why Our Colleges and Universities Have Given Up on the Meaning of Life

Our colleges and universities have given up on the meaning of life. They have become factories for producing workers, not thinkers. They have abandoned the pursuit of knowledge for the pursuit of profit. And they have left our students lost and adrift in a world without meaning.

This is not a new problem. In fact, it has been going on for centuries. As early as the 13th century, the philosopher Thomas Aquinas argued that the primary purpose of education is to help students understand the meaning of life. But over time, this goal has been gradually eroded.

In the 19th century, the rise of science and technology led to a new emphasis on practical education. Colleges and universities began to focus on preparing students for careers in business, law, and medicine. The humanities, which had once been the core of a liberal arts education, were relegated to a secondary role.

Education's End: Why Our Colleges and Universities Have Given Up on the Meaning of Life

by Anthony T. Kronman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2136 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE

In the 20th century, the rise of mass education led to a further decline in the pursuit of meaning in higher education. Colleges and universities became more focused on quantity than quality. They admitted more and more students, and they offered more and more courses. But the quality of education suffered.

Today, our colleges and universities are more like businesses than anything else. They are driven by the profit motive, and they are constantly looking for ways to increase their revenue. They have abandoned the pursuit of knowledge for the pursuit of profit.

And they have left our students lost and adrift in a world without meaning.

Our students are graduating from college with no idea what they want to do with their lives. They have no sense of purpose or direction. They are adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

This is a tragedy. Our colleges and universities have failed our students. They have failed to prepare them for the challenges of life. They have failed to help them find meaning in their lives.

It is time for our colleges and universities to return to their original mission. It is time for them to focus on the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of meaning. It is time for them to help our students find their way in the world.

Here are some specific things that colleges and universities can do to help students find meaning in their lives:

• Offer more courses on the meaning of life. These courses could explore the different philosophical, religious, and spiritual perspectives on meaning. They could also help students develop their own personal philosophies of life.
• Create more opportunities for students to engage in meaningful activities. This could include volunteering, community service, and internships. These activities can help students connect with their community and make a difference in the world.
• Encourage students to reflect on their own lives. This could be done through journaling, meditation, and other reflective practices. Reflection can help students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their values.
• Provide students with support from mentors and counselors. Mentors and counselors can help students navigate the challenges of college and life. They can also provide guidance and support as students search for meaning in their lives.

Our colleges and universities have a responsibility to help our students find meaning in their lives. It is time for them to fulfill this responsibility.

Education's End: Why Our Colleges and Universities Have Given Up on the Meaning of Life

by Anthony T. Kronman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2136 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE