What literacy is, has morphed over time and will continue to do so. Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) into a child’s dreams has become more of a norm, primarily feeding on bashful consumerism, a scarcity mindset, and the never-ending pursuit to push the glass ceiling higher.

We have all seen a sea of change in the norms and ways of our civilization in our lifetimes, but it seems to have accelerated at an unprecedented rate over the past decade. Comfort, convenience, and adding value has replaced a lot of tasks, effort, and time spent. In this rat race, unfortunately, liberal arts have been undermined to almost oblivion. After graduation from grade 12, the STEM professions barely see any meaningful liberal arts courses or any formal exposure to liberal arts. The pursuit for better has been slowly replaced with more.

Shouldn’t the approach be to facilitate broader thinking and approach life with more creativity and a more wholesome approach? If we reel back in history, it was the unmatchable dexterity of Leonardo Da Vinci that made him an engineer, inventor, mathematician, and a leading artist of his age. The same goes for his contemporary Michelangelo. Unlike the narrow silos of discipline experts we all exist in nowadays, these giants were multifaceted with good mastery of different associated trades and disciplines. They also expanded into other liberal realms quite fluidly, a concept so very foreign in today’s world.

Similarly, the movers and shakers of society, also have a role to fill. Lorenzo De Medici comes to mind. He was a successful banker but also a patron of arts with a large studio which gave Michelangelo the platform to give the world the famous Pieta, David, and St. Peter’s Cathedral – not to mention the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. I just wish the world had more Lorenzos’ who along with their professions, make the world a little more beautiful.

Last but not least, the building departments, councils, and municipalities can bring in creative ways to make great cities and inspire their citizens. Portland, Oregon is known for community gathering squares and spaces which promote sustainable socializing. Austin, Texas has given open zoning where different zones can co-exist. Vancouver, BC is also going into mixed-use zoning where combined industrial and residential zoning is allowed. Cities have the clout to influence the way the communities look and can, without much effort, incorporate artwork into the landscape.

We can all work to activate our liberal arts side and go outside the box. With arts, literature, and social education inclusion for STEM professions, we can together make this world slightly better. Small steps can reshape our futures to more interesting ones.

Action item for TAG Engineering; we have started a book club: “TAG Paperbacks”. And we have it open to anyone who wants to join in. Together we shall grow, together we will enrich our lives, and together we will question the status quo. We start with Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael.