A Change in Cultural Consumption

At the beginning of this Humanities course, I consumed culture in the same way most other common people would - taking interest in whatever I liked, and seldom diving into new or foreign endeavors. Now that I have reached the end of this course, however, my habits for the consumption of culture have changed. Before, I would look at a painting, listen to a song, or view a work of literature as little more than whatever the surface of the subject displayed. Now, though I have had few chances to exercise this, I try to look deeper. I attempt to find the hidden messages or disguised themes in whatever I can comprehend. I view the world more critically and more emotionally. I have realized how much more I could discover in the world if I just sat and observed for longer than I usually would. I see the value in not only a formal, scholarly education, but also in the ability to see and the world from different angles and perspectives. I feel more well-rounded than I ever have before, and I came into this class believing I was already fairly well off. I appreciate having taken this class, and I know the skills I have begun to develop as a result will aide me in my life for many years to come.