Response
Charles Murray: Are Too Many People Going to College The higher education system in America has become an expectation, and an apparent necessity, for those looking to achieve success in the work force. Young adults' mentors, including teachers, counselors, and parents, urge students to attend college after the competition of high school, no matter the circumstances. In his work, "Are Too Many People Going to College", Charles Murray brings this system of postsecondary education under question, analyzing the problems within our society that have grown from the high importance placed on earning a college degree. Starting from the root of education, Murray addresses the “body of core knowledge” (223) which he believes to be a necessity of elementary learning. Arguing this early installation of a broad knowledge of American culture, Murray reminds us how this nationwide knowledge of a core education “makes us American together rather than hyphenated Americans” (224). I believe this approach is only ideal, and often prevented by economic and regional limitations, it is an effective and responsible way for the early education system of American to provide this necessary learning opportunity. Beyond this point, though, Murray gives no indication that a particular form of education following high school should be mandated or expected. In order to find the most success, Murray believes one must be working or studying in a field of which he is skilled. This skill breeds natural intrinsic rewards, with the “satisfaction of being good at what ones does for a living (and knowing it)” (237). Using this as his major support, Murray insists that success in the work force is rooted in students involving themselves in a field of study which they will enjoy learning; whether it be a liberal education, vocational training, or launching directly into a specific field. Here, Murray faces limitations as his ideas seem too exclusive. It is wrong to say that those without the