The Liberal Arts Inspire the Spirit and Enrich the Soul – The Wall Street Journal

Jan. 12, 2021 5:04 pm ET

Kudos to Andrew Delbanco and The Wall Street Journal for highlighting his work promoting the humanities (Weekend Confidential: Andrew Delbanco, Review, Dec. 19). Eighteen years ago at Millsaps College in Mississippi, I spent half my freshman coursework in what was then called the Heritage program, exploring all of human civilization through history, literature and the arts. It was taught by a team of faculty from the departments of classics, history, English and religious studies. I subsequently pursued a scientific career in medicine, but that course I took as a freshman remains the most formative educational experience of my life. The small-group discussions taught valuable listening skills while the coursework helped me see our current challenges through a larger historical lens. I know that early dive into the humanities has made me a more compassionate physician and given me a knowledge base to find historical precedents for these times, which are so commonly called unprecedented.

Mark Trahan, M.D.

Lake Charles, La.

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The Liberal Arts Inspire the Spirit and Enrich the Soul - The Wall Street Journal