"ALL THINGS EXCELLENT ARE AS DIFFICULT AS THEY ARE RARE." - BARUCH SPINOZA

“ALL THINGS EXCELLENT ARE AS DIFFICULT AS THEY ARE RARE.” – BARUCH SPINOZA

These words are especially true of higher education. The great professors, the ones who challenge their students, are hard to come by. But what a rewarding experience it is when one comes across such a professor.

The most exceptional, challenging programs attract a special kind of student. The students willing to take on the more difficult, intellectually stimulating programs will certainly reap the rewards of pursuing such a degree.

The classes that truly challenge students are the ones that students learn the most from taking. An easy “A,” while appealing to those simply hoping to get through college as quickly and easily as possible, is not in keeping with the purpose of higher education. Much like in life, college students learn more from what is difficult rather than the simple. Failures and mistakes lead to life experience and incomparable knowledge.

I hope you understand what a rare gem the MTSU Philosophy Department is when making budget decisions. Ridding the university of this program would be taking the easy solution. Take on the more difficult task of searching for other answers to the budget issues. As educators and administrators, you will better equip yourselves to take on future challenges by addressing the current one appropriately.