Book

In Defense of a Liberal Education

Fareed Zakaria

W.W. Norton, 2015

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Editorial Rating

Qualities

Innovative

Recommendation

Commentator Fareed Zakaria packs wisdom and value into this slim volume. Citing history, economics and studies of happiness, he lays out an irresistible argument in support of the liberal arts as central to a college education and an informed society. In Socratic style, Zakaria raises questions that provoke you to think deeply about the answers. getAbstract suggests that parents, students, educators, politicians, policy makers and those interested in education – and in the founding principles and future of the United States – will want to read and discuss this compelling argument.

Take-Aways

The United States built its college and university system around the principles and values of a liberal education that blends the humanities, math and science.
Unlike students in the rest of the world, US collegians can pursue learning as their interests lead them, drawing from a vast and varied curriculum.
Until recently, US education – from kindergarten to graduate school – was almost free.

About the Author

Fareed Zakaria graduated from Yale with a degree in the liberal arts. He is a commentator on CNN on Sunday mornings.

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