The Usefulness in Useless Knowledge

Avery Carter '21

In ancient Greek society, people did things for themselves--they studied math and astronomy not for others, but themselves and their curiosity. They did not necessarily have the goal of becoming a mathematician or an astronomer charting the night sky, they did it to have a better understanding of the world around them. We are told that having the right knowledge will later lead us to a better, more successful career. However, in modern times this makes some people think that the arts and humanities are essentially useless. I’ve been told so many times to stop spending time with art and nature because I’m “wasting my time.” But the Greeks were different. They highlighted and accentuated their own beautiful curiosity and let that be the driving force in their lives. There was a real interest in knowledge- and it was for real knowledge, not the knowledge that would bring a materialistic benefit. What some think of as ‘useless’ knowledge was essential in the lives of the Greeks as it led them to curate a more desirable life. Furthermore, the many discoveries we have are formed upon people following their curiosity and learning things that some might call “useless.” In ancient societies, there wasn't a specific reason for having mathematical knowledge, it was simply for themselves. Indeed, there is a usefulness in ‘useless’ knowledge. You don’t need to know anything about nature and art to get a high paying job based on math, but that knowledge of nature and art can improve your life so much.

During quarantine, I spent a lot of time gardening. Some would say that’s a waste of time. I would say otherwise. And maybe that’s because I’m telling you all about the usefulness in useless knowledge, but I truly believe that, and let me tell you why. Some look back on quarantine and online school, and think of the time they spent studying behind a computer screen. Just like any other mundane day in lockdown, they woke up, went to class, and did their homework. And I too spent many days doing just that. But then there were different days, and the different ones are the ones that stand out when I look back on my time. I would spend time in my little garden. I planted herbs and flowers and tended to them. I’d water the flowers and weed the garden beds. And some would say well knowing how to garden is useless. It’s not going to help me in school, it won't help me get into college, and it won’t get me a job- so, what’s the point? Well, I have a point. I actually learned a lot, made discoveries about nature and myself, and was able to create a memory that stands out in my life that I can look back on.

I know in our lives, particularly during the college process, we’re told to do some things, and told to avoid others. If we spend more time studying for a particular test and succeeding in one class instead of spending that time reading a book we enjoy, then we won’t get into the college we desire and our futures will be that of failure. We’re told that if we spend x amount of hours studying for the SAT then we’ll get a certain score that will get us into a certain college that will bring us closer to getting the job we want. The Greeks did not have that. They spent hours studying what they wanted to.

Though never easy, I’ve always tried to find a balance between doing the things I love and also working on the things I must complete. At a certain point, I’ll stop doing what I’m told to do and spend time doing the things I love. I learned that I could close my laptop, get outside in the garden, and I would still be successful. If you find joy in the things you do, then it’ll make your time worthwhile, regardless of what it is.

Sometimes even while I’m doing the tasks at hand, I start to fall in love with them and my curiosity begins to take me to unforeseen destinations. If I’m doing history homework even, I start to let my curiosity lead the way and before I know it I’m learning about something else completely. Most importantly, the things considered useless, often bring us the greatest happiness or even inspiration. Think of art and music and the knowledge of these subjects that are considered unnecessary sometimes.

Professor Abraham Flexner of Princeton University writes in his book, The Usefulness of Useful Knowledge, that “the search for answers to deep questions, motivated solely by curiosity and without concern for applications, often leads not only to the greatest scientific discoveries but also to the most revolutionary technological breakthroughs.” I completely agree with this statement. In my own life, I’ve found the greatest discoveries while doing the things I enjoy most. Though it can be really hard to make that first discovery while you are learning, or even the discovery that we don’t need to do things to check boxes, that we can do things for ourselves, it is so so worth it. I wouldn’t be who I am today without devoting time to doing things I truly enjoy. I would encourage spending time with subjects considered useless, even gardening, and trusting our own curiosity.