...a large contingent of people majoring in English by default. Because they weren't left-brained enough for science, because history was too dry, philosophy too difficult, geology too petroleum-oriented, and math too mathematical--because they weren't musical, artistic, financially motivated, or really all that smart, these people were pursuing university degrees doing something no different from what they'd done in first grade: reading stories. English was what people who didn't know what to major in majored in.
The passage discusses the reasons some students choose to major in English, often viewing it as a default option. It suggests that these individuals may have struggled with more analytical or quantitative fields such as science, history, or math. Rather than pursuing their true passions, they gravitate towards English because it feels familiar and comfortable, akin to their childhood experience of reading. This raises questions about their motivations and intellect.
Moreover, the text implies that these students might lack interest in other subjects that require different skills, thus resorting to English as a safe choice. The major, in this view, is not seen as a pursuit of profound literary analysis or creativity but rather as a path taken by those uncertain of their educational and career directions. Ultimately, it portrays a critical perspective on how societal biases shape academic choices.
