Philosophy Quote by Jeffrey Eugenides
““...a large contingent of people majoring in English by default. Because they weren't left-brained enough for science, because history was too dry, philosophy too difficult, geology too petroleum-oriented, and math too mathematical--because they weren't musical, artistic, financially motivated, or really all that smart, these people were pursuing university degrees doing something no different from what they'd done in first grade: reading stories. English was what people who didn't know what to major in majored in.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Literary discussion, 2018
The quote satirically critiques the over‑representation of humanities majors, suggesting societal bias that devalues STEM fields and stereotypes students.
In simple terms: Humans often stereotype majors, undervaluing STEM.
Key Takeaway
Challenge stereotypes about academic choices.
Themes
education
stereotypes
career choice
humor
Mood
ironic
critical
reflective
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- college counseling
- career advising
- curriculum design
- student self‑esteem
Key Concepts
social bias
academic culture
disciplinary value
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we label fields as “right” or “wrong”?
- How can we promote interdisciplinary respect?
A Different Perspective
Stereotypes ignore individual talent and interest.
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
