Art is More Important Than Math?

I saw the statement, “Art is more important than Math,” recently in a meme. It caught my attention. Are we really that ignorant these days or have we just become a society that has to be polarized? I am not excited that it would be either.

If I really wanted to be contentious, I would argue that Physical Education is more important than Art or Math. Of course, I would be talking a bit tongue-in-cheek, but I could make a better argument for this than for “Art is more important than Math” or for “Math is more important than Art.” A lack of physical activity in the US is a contributing factor to nearly all disease, after all. In addition, muscle mass and associated muscle activity is especially important for brain oxygenation and neural health. (I can continue.)

The are argument that any academic subject is more important than another is—to be blunt—stupid. Art and Math (and PE) are important to one’s functional development. They are important to societal progress. To ignore one at the expense of the other will be society’s downfall.

Now, if we talk about this statement from a perspective of time spent in each academically, the discussion becomes more nuanced. I have heard people argue that they don’t use the Algebra they were forced to take in school. If that is the case, well…. Let’s just quote Mr. T—“I pity the fool.” We may not use Math in a most direct sense daily—as in sitting down to solve quadratic equations and prove theorems, but we do use numbers (or we hire accountants, I guess). I would argue that we waste time teaching Math poorly and asking kids to solve problems multiple times using a variety of “new math” methods (rather than teaching multiple ways of solving problems and allowing students to figure out the answer in the way that is most appropriate for them). Math, after all, teaches us problem solving skills.

Art is no less important. I can’t preach “well-centered fitness” (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness) and ignore the importance of Art. Art captures and reinforces the SPIES dimensions. I would argue that we are less whole without Art.

Should artists make the same incomes as mathematicians? This largely depends on their contribution to society. No doubt our compensations in the US (and most of the world) are disordered. Professional athletes make excessive salaries. CEOs take massive bonuses. Celebrities (although they may be regarded as “artists”) can collect huge paychecks. Yes, there are starving artists. There are some who do quite well. Likewise, there are underpaid mathematicians (we sometimes refer to them as teachers or professors). The reality is that few people feel they are paid their worth and “worth” is subjective. The value of art versus the value of math is likewise subjective. Neither is greater or less than the other. It is how we utilize them is what matters.

Educations has for quite some time recognized the importance of the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Wisely, there has been a shift toward the reference to STEAM, thus adding the Arts. Personally, I believe in a balance—a “liberal education” (and, yes, this includes a Physical Education, as well).

Let’s not argue the importance or relevance of one subject over another. Let’s focus on simply educating our young and preparing them to make a better world for tomorrow.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!!