Where's The Value I once asked a philosophy professor, 'Can you give me one clear cut example of what differentiates humans from other animals?' She replied 'The ability to reflect on poetry.' 'Fair enough' I said. The value of writing seems to be obvious. Dickens, Keats, Twain, Shakespeare... Many of the most celebrated figures from history achieved their place in our hearts by communicating beautiful words. So here's the puzzle: why, if the value of writing is so self-evident, are degrees that include mostly writing skills regarded as 'valueless', or 'indulgent'? I suppose because they don't really contribute anything to the economy, right? As a philosophy undergrad, I can tell you the difference between an 'a priori' and an 'a posteriori' proof, but that's hardly going to put bread on the table. So, is the government justified in placing a priority on degrees like engineering and the sciences?