Letter

In response to Evans gobsmacked by change in ANU plan

A job in the humanities

Gareth Evans, as usual, touches a nerve.

Universities often claim they are cancelling humanities courses to focus on programs that lead directly to employment. But this is misleading. Humanities enrich every kind of work. In some professions, they are not just relevant – they are essential.

One such profession is that of the civil celebrant. Celebrants must be skilled in public speaking and creative writing and possess a deep understanding of human nature. Their work draws on music, literature, poetry, story creation, storytelling, choreography, and symbolism – all core components of the humanities.

Ceremonies are fundamental to human life. For them to be psychologically effective, they must be shaped with understanding and creativity. When these skills are absent, society is diminished – both in its public rituals and its most personal moments.

— Dally Messenger from DOCKLANDS