Humanities are struggling to maintain their relevance as important subjects capable of improving the quality of life. Attention has shifted to science and engineering subjects as they have proven to have real value to students who study them in colleges and universities. The value of humanities cannot be measured by direct contribution to economic activities but rather through the contribution in personal growth (Cohen 2009). According to Gislason (2009), humanities contribution and value is in instilling ethical reasoning that permeates through all vocations.
In a business or technical curriculum, humanities contribute by allowing students understand the values that are inherent of human beings. This helps participants in business or technical curriculum to embrace values that contribute to the greater good of humanity. Without humanities such as philosophy and history, it possible for students to feel alienated once they have acquired wealth and prosperity in their respective fields. Humanities gives meaning to efforts put in various careers hence giving individuals a sense of worth.
History is a part of humanity that establishes the values, struggles, and difficult endured to reach the level of development that is experienced at present. Understanding such history is important if the young generation is to take the mantle of leadership and forge forward with vigor, commitment, and self-worth. Ancient art is one such aspect of history that should be taught in schools in order to maintain a sense of where a society has come from and where it intended to go.
In order to affect contemporary life, ancient art must be taught as a stepping stone into issues that are currently plaguing the society. Ancient art provides an opportunity to understand a society’s history, values, and economic activities. This can be used to encourage respect for family setup, which is an important aspect of the contemporary life.
Reference
Cohen, P. (2009, Feb 24). In tough times, the humanities must justify their worth. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/books/25human.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Gislason, S. (2011). Human nature & group dynamics. Sechelt: Personal Digital Books.
