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» 2009 » June

Dear Grads, Help Save Us!

Posted: Monday, June 15th, 2009 • Author: Xander
Categories: Ideas, Tips for Society, Articles: Cultural Issues • Comments: Awaiting Comments

Armed with an Arts degree, you can be a hero.

[Editor’s note: Political science professor Byers delivered this speech to graduating students at UBC’s “Great Arts Send-Off”.]

…

In retrospect, I learned many useful things during my studies. I learned about passion and politics from William Shakespeare, evil from Joseph Conrad, cynicism from Niccolò Machiavelli and hope from Immanuel Kant. I learned that differences of culture, religion, ethnicity and sexuality make the human species more interesting. I learned that history matters; that asking questions is a mark of intellect, not ignorance; and that words, wielded well, have the power to change the world.

Source: www.thetyee.ca/…

LS » This speech is worthwhile for more than just a few Bachelor of Arts graduates if you require a little inspiration for the hurdles humanity will be facing during this century of climate breakdown.