Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the global trend of diminishing humanities programs in higher education, highlighting the challenges faced by humanities graduates in the job market and the shift towards more practical, employment-oriented education [3][4][5]. Group 1: Decline of Humanities Programs - Harvard University has canceled over 30 humanities courses, reflecting a broader trend among global universities to reduce or eliminate humanities programs [3]. - The reduction in humanities enrollment is driven by a perceived lack of job prospects for humanities graduates, as evidenced by statements from university leaders and government policies emphasizing employment-oriented education [4][5]. Group 2: Employment Challenges for Humanities Graduates - Humanities graduates face significant difficulties in securing jobs, with a reported offer rate of only 43.9% for humanities and social sciences graduates compared to 49.4% for STEM graduates [5][6]. - The starting salaries for humanities graduates are notably lower, with no humanities programs appearing in the top 20 for salary rankings among 2023 graduates [6][7]. Group 3: Shift in Career Aspirations - Many humanities graduates are increasingly turning to public sector jobs, with about 30% of 2024 humanities graduates considering civil service exams, compared to only 14% of STEM graduates [7][8]. - The trend of pursuing further education or alternative career paths, such as teaching or training, is prevalent among humanities graduates due to the competitive job market [7][8]. Group 4: Skills and Market Demand - The article emphasizes that the skills of humanities graduates, such as critical thinking and communication, are often undervalued in a job market that prioritizes technical skills and quantifiable results [8][9]. - The historical divide between humanities and sciences has intensified, with the latter being favored in a technology-driven society, further complicating the job prospects for humanities graduates [8][9]. Group 5: Long-term Prospects for Humanities Graduates - Despite current challenges, humanities graduates may find greater job satisfaction and opportunities for personal development in the long run, particularly in fields like education and cultural arts [9][10]. - The article suggests that the unique skills of humanities graduates may become more valuable as workplaces increasingly prioritize soft skills and interdisciplinary knowledge [10][11]. Group 6: Educational Reforms and New Opportunities - Universities are beginning to adapt their curricula to include interdisciplinary studies and practical skills, responding to the evolving job market [16][17]. - The rise of AI and technology is creating new opportunities for humanities graduates, as their critical thinking and communication skills become essential in a data-driven world [18][19].

世界足够大，容得下这些执着于"无用"学科的人。容许"想不开"的选择，就是为社会发展、文明进 步保留超越功利的价值评判标准。生命不光要解题，还要理解题目本身的意义。社会需要有人看懂物质 收益的账单，也需要有人守住精神价值的坐标。在造出最智能机器人的同时，不能忘了我们从哪里来、 为什么而生活。这也是为什么，在效率至上的算法时代，"想不开"三个字显得尤为可贵。总有人追逐风 口与红利，也总有人甘坐冷板凳、守护内心向往的一缕微光。那些"想不开"报考中文系、考古系等"无 用系"的学生，恰恰是因为想要在更广阔的精神世界耕耘。自嘲"想不开"，却打开了视野格局，拓宽了 理解世界的角度与边界。 "这个世界足够大了，一定可以容纳一些想不开的人吧？这些想不开的人选择了中文系，这个世界 还有什么想不开的呢？"近日，华东师范大学中文系汤拥华教授的毕业致辞走红网络。对于"想不开"， 汤教授解释："就是做那些不一定有很高收益的事情，但是放不下或者舍不得，因为自己确实是喜欢、 执着于此。"默默坚守所爱，不计利益得失，汤教授的演讲不仅引发毕业生共鸣，也令不少网友深受触 动。 有"想不开"感觉的，不止汤教授，也不止中文系的学生。2020年夏天，湖 ...