全球文科倒闭潮来了？不，未来文科会越来越重要｜专访《优秀的绵羊》作者

Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing pressure and competition among young people in elite education systems, leading to a sense of anxiety and lack of fulfillment despite high academic achievements [1][3][4] - It highlights the phenomenon of degree inflation, where the value of academic qualifications diminishes as more individuals obtain higher degrees, resulting in a saturated job market [9][11] - The author emphasizes the need for students to redefine their understanding of success and personal fulfillment beyond societal expectations and external rewards [12][14] Group 1: Education System and Degree Inflation - The article notes that degree inflation is a significant issue, with the number of bachelor's degrees awarded in the U.S. increasing by 84% from 1991 to 2022, while the population grew by only 31% [9] - It points out that the quality of secondary education has declined, leading employers to rely on degrees as a hiring criterion, which has become increasingly absurd [11] - The article mentions that the proportion of humanities graduates has dropped below 3%, while vocational and business-related degrees dominate, indicating a shift in educational focus [11][16] Group 2: Mental Health and Existential Crisis - The article discusses the existential crisis faced by students in elite education, where the pressure to succeed leads to mental health issues and a lack of vitality [6][12] - It suggests that students should explore what truly matters to them and what brings them fulfillment, rather than conforming to societal pressures [14][30] - The author warns that chasing societal definitions of success can lead to a never-ending competition that ultimately does not provide true satisfaction [12][14] Group 3: Future of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies - The article predicts a bleak future for humanities as enrollment continues to decline, with fewer students willing to pursue these fields due to societal perceptions [16][17] - It argues that the skills developed through humanities education, such as critical thinking and creativity, will become increasingly valuable in a technology-driven world [20][22] - The author advocates for interdisciplinary studies, suggesting that combining humanities with STEM fields can enhance adaptability and prevent obsolescence in the job market [20][22]