<p>Caveat here—haven’t read book yet.</p>
<p>Yet based simply on descriptions of and comments on the book, it’s possible that Duke-specific commentary is beside the author’s point. Isn’t she writing about a general culture that is being forced to pursue career paths on the basis of monetary gain and status in society, by virtue of how much entrée costs? </p>
<p>Where is the culture that acknowledges there are far, far larger global issues that need to be championed by our best and brightest? The IR student vested in the climate of political strife across the world? The environmental scientist bent on addressing and reversing doomy climate trends? Where are the graduates who are prepared to perhaps live frugally for a number of years, live below or at means–but who are content in the fact that they’re doing what they like or love, and that they’re steering their life’s course on their own? </p>
<p>Where is that ZEAL to heal and change the world or enlighten one’s self that is equivalent to the zeal for a fabulous salary and ROI? Are the latter what define greatness nowadays? And how can we heal the pervasive ailment of a generation ever-anxious about making that apocryphal “one small mistake” that shuts all doors? </p>
<p>Unless this isn’t the author’s point at all. Still bears pointing out, though. </p>
<p>EDIT: thoughtfulinsights, bravo on your well-considered letter, which touches on what I’ve written.</p>