The case for unorganized studies

 In my mind universities are among the treasures of civilization. I love them, perhaps unreasonably. I’ve taken detours on trips just to see a campus.

But they are not perfect. One famous critic said this:

Another disadvantage is that in universities studies are organized, and the man who thinks of some original line of research is likely to be discouraged. Academic institutions, therefore, useful as they are, are not adequate guardians of the interests of civilization in a world where everyone outside their walls is too busy for unutilitarian pursuits.

I love “unutilitarian pursuits,” including studies that are interesting but have no immediate, apparent use. But I also love unorganized studies, that is, studies that don’t have a home in an academic department.

• Source: The quote is from Bertrand Russell’s essay “In Praise of Idleness.” The essay was the topic of an entry on June 7, 2020.