"One could say my Ph.D. in English and American literature has garnered me exactly nothing in terms of practical, worldly rewards …" begins Jose Alaniz in a recent article published by Slate. "And yet," he continues, "there hasn't been a moment in my career when I haven't used it."

Alaniz cites the impact of this "useless" education on his personal and professional growth. He argues that the process of hammering out, revising, reading and re-reading his ideas has honed his ability to commit to his ideas. Though the path might be inefficient, the result of being able to hone and defend one's own thoughts is of infinite value. Alaniz's article highlights the high value of the "intangibles" of our human experience. In a society that often tempts us to a bottom-line pragmatism when choosing our life paths, our social circles, and even our beliefs, the ability to grow and commit to the important, inefficient things is vital. And it may just bring us deep satisfaction. Alaniz concludes, 'The inefficient path has its joy …"