Current economic conditions raise questions about the value of a liberal arts education. And now, new advances in educational technology offer ways to receive an education that are seen as more efficient than "traditional" methods. Mike Peters illustrates how these views substantially undervalue the benefits of a traditional liberal arts education, both for the individual and the society as a whole.

Mike Peters is President of St. John's College. He was Executive Vice President of the Council on Foreign Relation following a 27-year career in the U.S. Army. A West Point graduate, he earned a B.S. degree from the U.S .Military Academy and a M.A. degree in Economics from the University of Washington.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)