Belmont University is quite the interesting college. As I go from class to class and talk with more and more people, one thing in particular seems to stick in my mind: why do so many people who go here love to complain? You’ve all had them in your classes and you all know what their favorite phrases are: “Why do I even have to know this?” or “This has nothing to do with my major.” Aside from the fact that you could simply transfer, I would like to take a moment to explain why Belmont University’s general education program is what it is.

You are attending a liberal arts university. What does that mean? It means rather than attending a professional, vocational, or trade school, you are working to get a general understanding of various topics. This Latin derivative literally means the art for the free man. A free man, rather than being slave to one single occupation, is free to enjoy the knowledge of the world, of culture, of humanity and of countless subjects. Someone who is truly intelligent knows that education and academics are not just about preparing you for “entrepreneurship” or “songwriting.” (No offense.)

The traditional curriculum of liberal arts colleges includes theology, literature, language, philosophy, history, mathematics and science. This means that you should leave Belmont with your diploma in hand, but also with life skills: cultural understanding, respect for various subjects, and the ability to critically analyze.

John Adams said, “Laws for the liberal education of youth…are so extremely wise and useful that to a humane and generous mind, no expense for this purpose would be thought extravagant.” Given, some might consider Belmont’s tuition somewhat extravagant; one should appreciate the idea of liberal arts (as long as you’re paying for it, at least.)

So next time you complain to one of your friends about First Year Seminar or that humanities requirement, think about what it means to have the opportunity to engage and learn in the realm of a diverse set of disciplines.