<p>To have a world without humanity…or seeking the truth (veritas) in ALL its forms…or seeking enlightenment…is a world that will be EMPTY…</p>
<p>…yes science and mathematics are important…but without understanding WHY we (human beings) seek the truth and knowledge (scientia) makes “life” meaningless…</p>
<p>I don’t think most kids can know, at 17 or 18, with absolute certainty, just who they are. (Certainly not at 14, when they enter hs.) They haven’t yet experienced the college buffet of academic options, worked with a range of professionals or tested themselves in a wider pool. It’s just about their own experiences to-date, their own context.</p>
<p>How one climbs out of his own personal comfort zone can be telling. This notion about being passionate is seen so much on CC. It’s not really passion, in the sense that you just adore this or that. It’s more to do with perspective, how you make decisions, what your judgment is and how you pursue an interest in logical, available ways. How you test yourself, grow, move forward. Or not. Plus what else you also choose, how you appear in a holstic light. Unilateral is not the winner so many CC folks think it is.</p>
<p>There’s a great quote from one of Stanford’s (former?) deans about “passion” in hs kids; how, at that age, they can’t be expected to have experienced enough to have any idea. If I ever find it again, will post it.</p>
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<p>It’s more than just selecting people whose talents will benefit society.</p>
<p>People are selected for good grades not just because of the skills they demonstrate, but because it communicates that they do what they are asked in a timely fashion. Presumably, later on when they have regular jobs, they will do the same thing for their bosses. Or put another way, they will figure out the rules of whatever system they are in, and succeed in it such that they can be a leader.</p>
<p>^ do agree. Raw potential is tricky if you aren’t showing signs you can fulfill it. And, that you get the various ways how to show that. Grades are one aspect. No matter who posts about exceptions. They just aren’t the only things adcoms are looking for.</p>
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<p>I don’t think you can make a blanket statement that all activities are equally worthwhile. At least, I will not agree to one without sufficient backing.</p>
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<p>I like this. I want everyone to see this twice.</p>
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Does it? It sure doesn’t seem that way based on my paycheck. It may well be that the public respects scientists more than they respect politicians or performers (I have seen surveys to this effect), but it won’t pay the rental on your humble flat, as they say.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I’m still not sure how the judgement of the public exerts force on anyone’s career choices. I’ll also take the (potentially radical) position that the current system of admissions at top schools in the US is not perfect, but I can’t think of a fairer practical system. Like democracy, it is the worst option, except for all the others.</p>