IF KRONOS HAD STUDIED THE CLASSICS... · Winter 2025 · Torch: U.S.
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Suddenly, Kronos found himself on the throne, supreme king of the whole universe, in charge of everything and everyone. Of course, many individuals — gods and people alike — would want this power forever and ever. Kronos was not unique. Kronos wanted that power and was willing to do anything to keep even devouring his own children in the hopes of keeping his title. Scared by his past, he assumed that anyone would want to take down their father, as he had. Had Kronos chosen to share his power, both his fate and his children would have turned out radically differently. Unfortunately, Kronos was unable to adapt, stuck in the past and, in short, unwilling to share.
Today, we humanities fanatics are faced with a similar predicament. STEM and other programs that may threaten the Humanities grow more and more influential, and I for one worry that we will be, in a sense, “taken over.” However, we know that this mindset is incredibly detrimental. The story of Kronos proves that one must be willing to adapt.
Instead of fearing this new phenomenon, we must embrace it and be willing to share our influence. For instance, Latin is incredibly useful for doctors and scientists: medical terminology and scientific naming thrives by using Latin! Moreover, Oxford University research has demonstrated that humanities majors are more easily adapt to a changing job market. Finding ways to incorporate the classics into more STEM-focused fields and vice versa, can help these two subjects not only coexist but also grow even more knowledgeable about each other.
Of course, we cannot go back to change stories. Kronos was traumatized—so traumatized that it destroyed his future. We, however, have been given another chance with the very same story. For the Humanities to survive, we must fight for our interests while also working to foster an academic environment where all are able to pursue their passions. With our knowledge of the past, we have the perfect way to give this myth the happy ending it deserves.
Kronos eating his children from Paleothea.