Episode 100 of MARS MESSINA PRESENTS takes a close look at the history of our educational system. There was a short span of time when a student was fortunate enough to not only learn a trade or a profession, but had to take mandatory Liberal Arts classes. The first, of course, taught the student a specific career path and how to make money in it. The second taught the student how to think critically and inquisitively, with respect for differing opinions. Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, as well as the U.S.'s Founding Fathers, believed that Liberal Arts created a free society. Not only did the new, agile student make a living and contribute to society in that way, the student also knew how to communicate with and conduct themselves appropriately with others at parties, dinners, churches, and out and about town - thus making them fully functioning, free citizens who found fulfillment and happiness. The construct of a STEM education VERSUS a Liberal Arts education is reductive and dangerous. We all need both.

Next week, we will create our own school and come up with curriculum that serves both STEM and Liberal Arts, and is just plain ol' common sense.

BEDTIME STORIES FROM THE ACOUSTIC BOOKSHELF concludes with an excerpt from, THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING, by T. H. White.

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