In an era where the value of education is constantly evolving, the fate of the liberal arts has become a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The question looms: What exactly are the liberal arts, and why are an increasing number of educational institutions veering away from them? Recent findings, highlighted in The New Yorker’s thought-provoking article titled “The End of the English Major,” reveal a concerning trend—a significant decline of one-third in the study of English and history at the collegiate level over the past decade.

But do the liberal arts still hold relevance in our modern society? Why should individuals invest their time and energy in pursuing these disciplines? These pressing inquiries form the core of an engaging discussion in a recent episode of “The Word on Fire Show,” embedded below.