The human condition has fascinated people for centuries, going as far back as ancient Greece. From the poems of Homer to today's modern interdisciplinary humanities studies, humanities carry with them a sense of social curiosity rare in other subjects. From the written word to the dramatic performances of the theater, humanities are still a popular choice for educational focuses. While they may be more difficult to find employment in than other career paths, the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of creative motivations that come with the liberal arts can be as rich a reward as any other. A love for the humanities often begins early, and is fostered through numerous classes and extra-curricular activities throughout high school and into college.
One of the main focuses of humanities continues to be English, in particular the written word. Plays, novels, and poems have long been considered to be fundamental representatives for the best that the liberal arts has to offer, and numerous books are studied and reflected upon throughout one's education in English. While millions of books exist, only those considered to have the highest merit are considered 'literature', and worthy of being focused on in humanities courses. But the written word is only one aspect of the humanities, and many would argue today that it is perhaps not the most important.
Music soothes the savage beast, and music education gained through the humanities is designed to do that and more. Music theory, performance, composition, and even music education courses designed to prepare students to teach music to others, all of these and more fall under the blanket of music education. These often combine with theater, another time-honored component of the humanities. Plays, ballet, opera, and many other performing arts areas encompass the theater, and continue to be extremely popular. Hard work, passion, and dedication are required in order to truly succeed in these fields, but for many the sacrifices are well worth it.
If your passion for any of these areas of the humanities is so profound that you can't abandon it, focusing your education on it may be the best choice for you. Be sure that you are ready to devote yourself completely to your goal, and with hard work, talent, and the proper education as your foundation, you could very well transform your love into a full-fledged career. From ballet to opera, pianist to literary professor, your dreams could come true.