Blog reading chapter 1

What I found interesting about the reading in the textbook is the argument of chapter 1 for the need of generalist and well-rounded individual to enter the workforce. Currently, I am studying to receive a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. As a science major, I have often regarded the humanities as something that has nothing to do with my undergraduate education as well as plays no role in making be a better scientist. In the early start of my education, I could not see how studying the humanities could make me a better scientist as an undergraduate, ready to enter the workforce. I think my view and ideas began to change after having taken Humanities 202 at BYU during last semester. Before having taken HUM 202, I had miscued ideas about the importance of humanities. But, as the textbook states, colleges must educate their students so that they receive a blend of both the sciences as well as humanities. Doing so does creates enriched individuals, able to interact and understand their own cultures as well as others. I think my understanding of the humanities and the importance of this study occurred as I began to enjoy studying many different paintings as well as literature. It was interesting to see the value that artist placed on their work as well as the cultural value of the artwork. Artist used their work to send a message to their patronage, religious, and government leaders. Therefore, developing an understanding of the importance of the humanities has enriched me culturally. We, as a culture today, need to place more emphasis on our own cultural work. We need to intellectually study current artwork as well as past artwork to understand our own culture as well as past cultures. As a science major, studying humanities will aid in my ability to investigate scientifically. It will broaden my intellectual ability as it enlightens my mind in other ways than scientifically.