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Be proud Quote by Kurt Vonnegut

“The feeling persists that no one can simultaneously be a respectable writer and understand how a refrigerator works, just as no gentleman wears a brown suit in the city. Colleges may be to blame. English majors are encouraged, I know, to hate chemistry and physics, and to be proud because they are…” quote by Kurt Vonnegut
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“The feeling persists that no one can simultaneously be a respectable writer and understand how a refrigerator works, just as no gentleman wears a brown suit in the city. Colleges may be to blame. English majors are encouraged, I know, to hate chemistry and physics, and to be proud because they are not dull and creepy and humorless and war-oriented like the engineers across the quad. And our most impressive critics have commonly been such English majors, and they are squeamish about technology to this very day. So it is natural for them to despise science fiction.”

Kurt Vonnegut

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Role of the English Major, 1970s

English majors often distance themselves from technical fields, fostering a cultural divide between humanities and sciences.

In simple terms: Humanities and sciences can be seen as opposing camps.

Key Takeaway

Bridge gaps between disciplines.

Themes

education culture discipline divide

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • college curricula
  • career choices
  • academic criticism

Key Concepts

sociology interdisciplinary studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we encourage interdisciplinary respect?
  • What benefits arise from merging arts and sciences?
A Different Perspective

Overgeneralizing may ignore many scientists who appreciate literature.

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