decline-of-humanities
Classical languages and literature are marginalized and nearly obsolete, replaced by applied sciences and commercial disciplines.
2 chapters across 1 book
Paris in the Twentieth Century (1994)Jules Verne
The chapter describes the establishment and flourishing of the Academic Credit Union in Paris by 1960, a vast centralized institution that industrializes education under financial and governmental control. It highlights the shift from classical humanities to applied sciences and market-driven knowledge, the bureaucratic and commercial nature of education, and the grandiose, mechanized ceremony celebrating industrial progress and scientific achievement. The narrative critiques the loss of literary culture and the dominance of utilitarian education aligned with capitalist and state interests.
In this chapter, Michel reunites with his old teacher Monsieur Richelot and visits the newly constructed Port de Grenelle, a marvel of modern engineering connecting Paris to the sea. The conversation reveals the decline of classical humanities education, replaced by a focus on science and technology, while the characters reflect on the obsolescence of traditional warfare and the rise of mechanization. The chapter juxtaposes nostalgia for the past with the unstoppable progress of industrial and technological advancements shaping society.