"I Told You Something is Coming & Now It's Here..." | Victor Davis Hanson

Summary

In this video, Victor Davis Hanson critiques the current state of higher education, arguing that universities are graduating students with substantial debt and inadequate skills, contributing to a national crisis. He suggests that universities should be more transparent about the costs and outcomes of different majors, and that they should be held accountable for the education they provide. Hanson also touches on the decline in SAT scores and the impact of demographic changes on university admissions, suggesting that the reputation of elite institutions is suffering due to diluted curriculum and grade inflation.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The speaker suggests that ideas from academia often influence the White House, but this can lead to misguided policies in higher education.
• 📚 The current state of higher education is criticized for producing graduates with high debt and insufficient skills, contributing to a national crisis.
• 💰 There is a concern about the unsustainable student debt, which stands at 1.7 trillion dollars, and the role of universities in this issue.
• 📉 The speaker highlights a demographic crisis, with fertility rates dropping from 2.1 to 1.6, affecting societal structures and economic growth.
• 🧑‍🎓 Young people, particularly males, are described as not getting married, buying houses, or having children, which is linked to the failure of universities.
• 📈 The speaker calls for transparency from universities regarding the cost of education, average compensation by major, and the financial implications of student loans.
• 🏫 The speaker questions why universities with large endowments don't take responsibility for student loans and suggests this could improve course relevance and teaching quality.
• 📊 The importance of standardized testing like the SAT is discussed, as a means to ensure academic quality and accountability, which the speaker feels has been lost.
• 🎓 The speaker argues that elite universities are admitting students who are not prepared, leading to a decline in the quality of education and student preparedness.
• 💼 A shift in hiring preferences is noted, with some employers preferring graduates from less prestigious institutions due to better training and less entitlement.
• 🏢 The speaker predicts a revolution in education, with a move towards trade schools and community colleges as people become disillusioned with the elite university system.
• 🗳️ The script ends with a political commentary, suggesting that the upcoming elections are not about personalities but about systemic issues in education and society.

Q & A

What is the main argument Victor Davis Hanson makes about the current state of higher education?

Victor Davis Hanson argues that universities are producing graduates with massive debt and insufficient skills, contributing to a national crisis.

How does Hanson describe the impact of universities on the national debt and societal issues?

Hanson states that universities are culpable for the 1.7 trillion in national debt and societal issues such as a declining fertility rate and a generation that is not getting married, buying houses, or having children.

What is the 'myth of the four-year degree' that Hanson refers to?

The 'myth of the four-year degree' refers to the belief that a four-year college education is necessary for success, which Hanson suggests is leading to debt and a lack of practical skills.

Why does Hanson suggest universities should disclose the average compensation of different majors to students?

Hanson believes that by disclosing the average compensation, students can make informed decisions about their education and the financial burden they are taking on.

What responsibility does Hanson believe universities should take for student loans?

Hanson suggests that universities, especially those with large endowments, should pledge their endowment and take responsibility for student loans, particularly in cases of default.

Why does Hanson mention the SAT and its role in the past?

Hanson mentions the SAT to highlight the disparity in high school quality and the need for a standardized test to ensure students are prepared for university-level education.

What change in university admission practices is Hanson critical of?

Hanson criticizes universities for admitting students who may not be prepared for the curriculum, leading to watered-down courses and inflated grades.

How does Hanson describe the current hiring preferences in Silicon Valley?

Hanson states that employers in Silicon Valley prefer to hire from schools like Texas A&M or Georgia Tech over Stanford because they are better trained and do not bring the same therapeutic culture issues.

What is the demographic shift Hanson observes in university admissions?

Hanson notes a shift where universities are admitting a more diverse student body, but at the expense of excluding highly qualified students and potentially lowering academic standards.

What is Hanson's view on the future of higher education and its impact on society?

Hanson predicts a revolutionary movement in education, with a shift towards trade schools and community colleges, as the current model of higher education is seen as toxic and exploitative.

What does Hanson suggest is the root of the problem in higher education?

Hanson suggests that the problem lies with the credential elite, who are not being held accountable and are failing to provide competitive education compared to other institutions.