“In trying to justify the humanities, as in trying to live a life, what may turn out to matter most is holding one's nerve.” ― Stefan Collini

I often hear the phrase “maths is a real subject, literature is not”, the people who say this often sound very smug and proud. I used to be one of them, believing that the logic and rigour that STEM subjects offered proved that they far outshine anything that humanities can offer. However in the past 2 years or so, I’ve came to realise that the traits that subjects such as literature, poetry, philosophy and art make them far more “real” than the sciences. I say this as a STEM student who has read into these subjects over the years.

You have probably noticed that I use the word “real” here in quotation marks. This is because it’s important to define what I mean by a “real subject”. In my opinion I define a “real subject” as a subject that connects us with what it means to be truly human and in-touch with human nature. Whatever subjects bring us closer to our rational and unique nature are more real.

Think about what generative LLMS and computers are best at doing, writing poetry? No. Composing music? No. Analysing text? No. What they are best at is data processing, solving equations, running simulations and crunching numbers. All these activities are common among every STEM subject, which non-humans excel at and get better at an increasing pace. Therefore these processes are not unique to humans and our nature. On the other hand, skills taught in the humanities are further from the grasp of automation than science and technology is. The joy of writing and articulating is to be found with humans alone. We use literature and art to express every aspect of ourselves and our nature, therefore making them more real.

These beliefs can be found throughout history, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola the Italian philosopher and writer wrote in Oration on the Dignity of Man that humans have the unique position of choosing our nature and that we can lower ourselves to the level of beasts or raise ourselves through intellectual and spiritual pursuits by pursuing beauty in art and wisdom in philosophy, the ability of the humanity subjects to “raise our nature” clearly shows the usefulness of the liberal arts. Sigmund Freud in Civilization and it’s Discontents explains how human artistic achievements play a leading role in human life.

Many people may try to make the point that the STEM subjects are more “real” due to their better employment opportunities, however mere salary progression is no factor for the value of human nature and creative pursuits. Science cannot capture our emotions like books can. The people that say this are viewing STEM subjects as “more realistic and safe employment opportunities” which is valid, but this does not carry over to be a more valid way of expressing ideas and thoughts. The skills learnt from history, philosophy and literature provide a way of thinking that puts humanity at it’s centre and we need that in society.

The essay subjects provide the world with depth and complexation, viewing the world in a humane sense instead of a mere mechanical machine. The topics grasped are just as important and necessary as any technical problem as they channel our unique and rational nature.