Learning in the Key of Life - Jon Spayde

One thing I know for sure is that in today's society the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It's hard for the poor to make it if they do not get a formal education. Spayde introduces this problem in the beginning of his essay. He infers that education closely resembles class which I agree with. Usually when we hear about someone dropping out of high school in today's society it is frowned down upon, just like the rich man frowning upon a homeless man. Another example would be comparing Masters Degrees to Lamborghini's. Spayde introduces other author's personal views on education. I found it hard to understand Shorris' point of view particularly because I grew up in a well to do neighborhood and attended a decent high school. The humanities I felt have always been present in my educational career and it's hard to think of life without them. But I do agree with Shorris' point on the humanities make you rich in terms of life, last year I took AP Art History. Yes, it's not a class that will help me find the cure for AIDS but it made me feel much more cultured. I feel more refined that I know of the great art works of the masters. A journalist named Miles Harvey stated that we do not have enough time in our lives to learn about all forms of great literature. He made a point which I think is true, Americans would rather have an extra day off, than to learn about another great writer. Schools today add to the curriculum for example the choice of only one great author. I disagree with that, I think in education we, the students should be getting the whole deal. If two authors are as important but we only are taught one, then we are getting the short end of the stick. Teens will never know how great that author is. Personally I would have not known about them unless we read them in class. Spayde questions Harvey's statement with the fact that people truly learn if they have a natural interest in the subject. Students can find Shakespeare hard to follow because they have a lack of interest. As a student, I partially agree with Spayde's rebuttal, it is much harder to read and understand literature like Shakespeare. Shakespeare and Morrison is nothing like Harry Potter. With Harry Potter I finish a book in a day and I don't have to reread any sections to understand fully. Shakespeare it's the opposite, I struggle with the language and it's more intellectual composition. What I disagree with Spayde is that some novels that I have utterly despised have helped me with my writing and opened my mind to new horizons. Last year I was forced to read The Heart of Darkness which I HATED. It was too complicated and dull for me, but I am glad I read it. I feel more cultured in that I can alliterate to that novel in my writing and I understand in the media when it is mentioned. The Heart of Darkness also made me realized how corrupt society can be, it was like a warning on what the consequences are and how we can better ourselves.