Well, we are where we are. Both Oxford and Cambridge - like demented twins from 'A Game of Thrones' - have descended into madness. College balls were always a load of bollocks, to a miserabilist like me. I went to one and was bored stiff. Still, it's beyond depressing to imagine attending now.
Partly what you say - but mostly as a place of entitlement (well, Oxbridge) but for the staff - those who have tenure. Really, the current generation of dons are venal and corrupt - like clergy in the 16th century monasteries. My tutors were NOT like that - but that's 40 years ago!
Throughout our establishments we have jobsworths...some posher than others. It was good to see a couple of writers point out in a BBC programme the other week that just because you have a respectable job, it doesn't mean you are right.
Institutions of "higher learning" should only concern themselves with the search for fundamental truth. Anything else they're involved in is taking them off their path. Sounds like they're REALLY off their path now.
What is the purpose of such universities now? To brainwash, or to train the next lot of programmers to build the world digital brain?
Partly what you say - but mostly as a place of entitlement (well, Oxbridge) but for the staff - those who have tenure. Really, the current generation of dons are venal and corrupt - like clergy in the 16th century monasteries. My tutors were NOT like that - but that's 40 years ago!
Throughout our establishments we have jobsworths...some posher than others. It was good to see a couple of writers point out in a BBC programme the other week that just because you have a respectable job, it doesn't mean you are right.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001z2dk/inside-no-9-series-9-1-boo-to-a-goose
Institutions of "higher learning" should only concern themselves with the search for fundamental truth. Anything else they're involved in is taking them off their path. Sounds like they're REALLY off their path now.
Much as I agree with this, I'm afraid that ideal is now many decades in the past. Ever since Critical 'Theory' took hold in fact.