The latest issue of Commentary (not yet posted online) includes historian Wilfred McClay?s review of Charles Murray?s book, Real Education.
There is both a populist and an elitist strain in Murray?s analysis. This becomes clear when he puts forward the four ?simple truths? that form the backbone of the book?s argument. These are that ability varies; that half of the children are below average; that too many people are going to college; and that America?s future depends on how we educate the academically gifted.
One can sense the sheer delight with which Murray puts forward these blunt, calculated-to-offend statements. To many readers, they will seem intended to consign large numbers of Americans to permanent second-class status. But Murray insists that, to the contrary, he is merely pointing out something patently true. Although we have allowed the academic-credential mania to persuade us otherwise, going to college is, for a great many of life?s purposes, vastly overrated. In a free society there are other paths to learning about the world and finding one?s place in it, and a school-centered yardstick that de-values those means is not only false but impoverishing.
Hmm. College is oversold? I think I?ve read that somewhere before.
