Agreed. I think I was particularly disturbed by this as it seems so pervasive in media that too often includes the NYT. Not only are opinions often considered as noteworthy as facts, but here we have the argument that sounds like knowledge is an affront to our humanity. Knowledge is human. It is the very product of our grey matter. It is the product of that which separates us from everything else we know of. Where is the self-respect? Why do we have to say that art is art and science is science? Why do we have to separate knowledge and passion? That cuts us in two. It denies who we are. As I said below, I think this essay is motivated in part by nostalgia. -I hope that's the extent of it. I'd hate to think that this could be a justification for an intellectual retreat. That's probably not being fair. But, c'mon Mr. Kreider... really now.