tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post5180121962866491740..comments2024-03-07T14:43:21.888-08:00Comments on Whatever I want to write about: Prediction is very difficult, especially about the futureSriram Khéhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06907731254833435446noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-341239048099347082015-10-05T06:31:43.451-07:002015-10-05T06:31:43.451-07:00Unlike the engineering programs in India, the curr...Unlike the engineering programs in India, the curriculum in universities--especially the good ones--here in the US include a good dose of liberal education via gen.ed. In fact, one of the discussions that *interested* faculty in respected universities engage in is how to make engineering (including CS) more liberal education and less "vocation education." After all, we have enough and more evidence that scientific and technological pursuits that discount thinking about humans and humanity can lead to destructive inventions.Sriram Khéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06724218458246880137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-28697014204251586772015-10-04T11:20:20.288-07:002015-10-04T11:20:20.288-07:00YOu got my favorite in the opening lines. I'v...YOu got my favorite in the opening lines. I've read all her novels as well as a couple of biographies.<br /><br />I agree with both of you. My liberal arts education prepared me for my post-graduate life as a volunteer and in the workforce. I was/am involved in diverse fields because I can think, not just process. Yet, I will not discourage my technically-talented son from his engineering goals simply because liberal arts helped me. To get a job in robotics, he has to have a related degree. My history major wouldn't stand a chance against a MechE in a job search. I have to trust that my example in his first 18 years and beyond and the gen ed requirements of the university will supply the balance, broadness and curiosity he needs to be a happy, productive person.Anne in Salemnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-69458576170380667612015-10-04T08:53:02.658-07:002015-10-04T08:53:02.658-07:00The economic aspects continue in the next post ;)
...The economic aspects continue in the next post ;)<br /><br />I googled to find out about "He stopped under a No Smoking sign to light a cigar" ... turns out that it is from the old Arthur Hailey book. I suppose all of us in those years in that context eagerly read practically the same set of fictional works. (Except, I gave up Jeeves after reading only one Wodehouse!) I remember well that novel, though I had no idea about the final sentence until I googled it. I wonder why you so distinctly remember that ... Sriram Khéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06724218458246880137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-10970426090116916962015-10-04T07:52:10.787-07:002015-10-04T07:52:10.787-07:00No, I won't love Big Brother !!
We've deb...No, I won't love Big Brother !!<br /><br />We've debated this before. I believe the allure of liberal arts comes with age. Its difficult to find it at 18 !<br /><br />The work based degrees indeed cannot guarantee a bright economic future. But it can improve the probability, often substantially. For eg if you do a MBA at Harvard, there are very high chances that you'll make enough money to get by. And that is the attraction. You can , but, try and increase your probability of economic success.<br /><br />That economic success does not equate to happiness in life is a lesson we all learn as we age. Some economic success is necessary, for without it, we would have an empty stomach. But it obviously cannot be the sole objective and a uni dimensional approach to life, whatever that dimension may be, is not a recipe anybody would prescribe.<br /><br />Frankly, I love memorable last lines even more than memorable first lines. Remember " Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" or " He stopped under a No Smoking sign to light a cigar"Rameshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.com