Liberal arts, as opposed to the hard sciences, are often regarded as a weak discipline. The yield from a liberal arts degree is considerably less, that is if everything is measured in terms of pay and perks. But, as Fareed Zakaria affirmed, liberal arts can train one on a whole spectrum of analytical and reasoning skills that are just as adept at handling the real world. In fact, most of the jobs that require mathematical training and exposure in information technology, have often been outsourced; allowing the developed economy to hollow out their own industries and economies.
Fareed Zakaria, who graduated with a degree in history from Yale University, and subsequently a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University, has succeeded beyond measure at what he does best: impeccable analysis of global issues. As a regular host of GPS in CNN, Fareed Zakaria has become a top thinker, not just a talking head.
This book is an affirmation of what a solid liberal arts education can do. More importantly, it speaks volumes of the strength of liberal arts. Countries that are strong in the production of such knowledge often ended up with a strong and stable democracy. The citizens are trained to think, reason, argue, and counter-argue, all in a civil and thoughtful manner, creating that catchment of stability that cultivates creativity and prosperity.