What would the Renaissance man think of the chasm we’ve since created?
Now, we force intense specialization, streaming students down one path or the other from a young age. By university, arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) are distinct faculties with little interaction and sometimes significant campus rivalries.
This might be fine, academically speaking. Practically, it’s a problem.
If we want the next generation to realize their full potential, to deploy every resource against the world’s social and environmental challenges, frankly, we want Renaissance kids.
We must reunite art and science.
In a time when people increasingly distrust and doubt the science behind issues like climate change, the arts can be vital to help specialists communicate with the lay public.
When scientist and broadcaster Jay Ingram gives speeches on space exploration or climate change, he brings a backup band to help deliver the message. Song lyrics are linked to the scientific themes. Sometimes he brings actors or plays clips from old movies.
“The point is to frame the information in a different way, to add emotion,” Ingram says.
THE LONDON FREE PRESS
