"Having a strong background in Classics has... proved beneficial in my studies of medicine. Doctors don't have to major in Biology to learn how to think and become good physicians. I believe Classical Studies provides that ability as well as any major offered in the college curriculum." -- Thomas Turner, MD (For the full letter follow this link.)
The benefits of Latin (and Greek) extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. Training in a specific subject, like Biology, often involves memorizing lists of terms, the names of the parts and the whole of a variety of organisms, and the steps involved in scientific inquiry. These are noble and worthwhile goals, but they are rather specific in their application. The study of Latin is very broad in its application. The study of Latin teaches basic processes of thought and problem solving that are transferable not only to nearly every traditional school subject, but also to the daily puzzles of life. Those who can think logically and creatively about difficult problems, a basic aspect of any Latin program, have an advantage over those who have learned a subject that focuses only on a limited content area. Therefore, a student who has majored in Latin (and/or Greek) is well prepared to face the challenges of any career, from the complexities of a physician's trade to the (even greater) complexities of mother- and fatherhood!
