As someone who believes that education is the goal of a college such as ours not so much training for a specific career- I disagree with some of the authors premise. The ability to think critically, be aware of many career possibilities, have some understanding of cultures and history, derive pleasure from the pursuit of art and music of many kinds, learn to live in an environment of diverse views, races, cultures: these are some of the loftier goals of education. The author's contention that students are too rich and have no career goals misses the point. Interestingly the limited purpose of "job training" is, I believe, MORE dangerous than career purposelessness. They will change careers too often for us to train them for only one. Ethics, Art, communication, composition, history etc. are ultimately of the greatest value. Three cheers for the purposelessness student with an indiscriminant intellectual appetite! Now- where the hell are they?? Rick Jagels -----Original Message----- From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jim Greenberg Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 9:00 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Recent Story About Students in Detroit News This was a good read.. Thought this group would find it interesting.... Title: Lack of purpose haunts students http://www.detnews.com/2005/editorial/0502/13/A15-87606.htm Jim Greenberg --