Allison Haley

EN 102

Summary Essay

19 January 2021

Liberal Arts: The Key to Freedom

Barbara M. White, a former ambassador of Mills College, once exclaimed, “The basic

purpose of a liberal arts education is to liberate the human being to exercise his or her potential

to the fullest” (“Top 16 Liberal Arts Education Quotes”). By this statement alone, it is safe to

assume that White sees life without liberal arts as a form of imprisonment where there is no

chance for growth. If this is true, then what does that say for the scrutiny that the liberal arts have

faced? Are the blows justified, or are they incorrect assumptions? In his essay “The New Liberal

Arts,” Sanford J. Ungar, former president of Goucher College, argues that the reason behind the

negativity surrounding the liberal arts is based on misconceptions; rather than being the “waste

of time” some believe they are, general education benefits students no matter their degree

(226-232). He insists that the liberal arts are an investment that prepares people for life while

their many benefits keep them relevant.

Though some may call the liberal arts a “luxury,” they are not; instead, they are an

investment that transcends “career education.” In Ungar’s view, “[T]he future demands of

citizenship will require not narrow technical or job-focused training, but rather a subtle

understanding of the complex influences that shape the world we live in” (227). Writing essays

may seem tedious; however, they provide a way to exercise one’s ability to think critically.

Having this ability is considered a huge benefactor; employers strive to hire those with writing
skills as they generally perform well at their jobs. Not only that, but knowing how to think

critically is essential for daily living. Humans are gullible without it and can easily be

manipulated by the most powerful people because of that. Ungar also argues that since a student

is likely to have multiple careers, it is wiser for him to study in liberal arts (227). While most

people continue in their field of study, some wander to what they believe are greater things. By

preparing people for the multiple surprises that life may throw at them, general education is

worth the time.

Besides preparing people for future jobs, the liberal arts also prepares people for life.

Ungar celebrates the fact that “[i]t promotes the idea of listening to all points of view and not

relying on a single ideology” (230). This is a sharp contrast from America today, where shouting

matches are common and people seek to be with those who share similar opinions (Ungar 230).

By having these skills, respectful conversation is not only achievable but can become the new

normal. To live a dutiful life, one must achieve the ability to listen, respect, and accept others’

opinions--lessons taught by the liberal arts.

Finally, the liberal arts may seem like they are going out of style; however, this is not true

as their many benefits make them relevant. According to Ungar, American citizens believe the

liberal arts are old-fashioned and claim that the United States is the only country that focuses on

general education; however, he points out that this view is incorrect. “Other countries, with more

practical orientations, are running way ahead of us” (Ungar 230). While American society tends

to focus on the liberal arts during post-secondary education, those in other cultures learn them

early. In France, scientific concepts are mandatory, and though they are late to the party, the

Chinese are seeing the positives of the liberal arts (Ungar 231). Ungar observes that “[t]he
Chinese may be coming around to the view that a primary focus on technical training is not

serving them adequately--that if they aspire to world leadership, they will have to provide young

people with a broader perspective” ( 231). Though the liberal arts seem dated, they are not going

anywhere as their ability to expand the mind will never stop being useful.

While some see the teaching of liberal arts as a waste, Sanford J. Ungar pleads with

people to understand that this assumption could not be further from the truth in his essay “The

New Liberal Arts.” He insists that general education is an investment that prepares students for

the many changes they may face in their careers. Because of this, Ungar believes that the liberal

arts will forever be relevant. If this is true, then general education does not deserve the criticism

it is now receiving. After all, the liberal arts are made to free individuals from the chains they

have been put in.

 Works Cited

“Top 16 Liberal Arts Education Quotes.” AZ Quotes,

www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/liberal-arts-education.html.

Ungar, Sanford J. "The New Liberal Arts." They Say I Say with Readings, by Gerald Graff et al.,

3rd ed., New York, W.W. Norton and Company, 2015, pp. 226-232.