I give a few extracts from papers received from old pupils, in answer to the request that they would say, quite simply and unofficially, what benefits they had derived from a course of economic study.
“I think that learning economics has helped me to take a more intelligent interest in everyday matters.”
“I consider I have benefited more by that subject than by any other. There are so many subjects you can take an interest in if you understand economics, that if you do not, would appeal to you in no way whatever.”
“It helps us to understand some of the most important subjects of the day, and gives us a clearer idea of the difficulties of the poor—and shows us the best way of helping them.”
“The human sympathies cannot fail to be awakened, and narrow-minded and selfish views cannot long be entertained. Economics often shows the best methods in the relief of our less fortunate brothers and sisters.”
“Living as I do, in Ireland, the study of this subject has widened my interests greatly. Now I can more fully understand the problem of landlord and tenant.”
“Besides economics being useful, it is also very interesting.”
“It tends to make one speak more exactly and to keep to the point.”
Many more answers to the same effect might be given, but these are perhaps enough to show that the study of economics is neither uninteresting nor unpractical.