CONCENTRATED IGNORANCE

Fields of Concentration, like other battlefields, usually have salient geographical characteristics of which the successful general takes advantage in conducting his campaign. If the Alps are in his way, the modern tactician usually does not attempt to scale them with his A's and B's and other white elephants, but maps out his course over a smoother ground. He sees ahead of him the threatening cloud of examinations, he is appalled by its menacing aspect, and he seeks protection along the more sheltered road of Geology or Astronomy. Even after making his start on the Appian Way of the Classics, be turns aside from the general examination on the Bible, Shakespeare, Dante, and Goethe, and walks the primrose path of Natural History, rejoicing.

Thus it is that the exponents of a technical education are able to point out with pride that innumerable students, after making a start in the field of "the Humanities", have seen their error, and are now devoting themselves heart and soul to science. The explanation of this phenomenon lies in the fact that, in the "Rules relating to College Studies", no mention is made of an "examination at the end of the year in which the student is a candidate", in the paragraphs dealing with the fields of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Natural History and Physics. (The complete list is printed for the benefit of the unenlightened).

This apparent distinction, made in favor of the sciences, has caused many cries of bitter anguish from those who would like to devote themselves to classics and literature, and yet pride themselves on following the line of least resisiance. In answer comes the statement that those who have not the courage to continue along their chosen path, in spite of obstacles, are not the sort who would benefit by a liberal education. If this is true, why should the fields of science be converted into the stamping-ground of the University's I. W. W.'s?