But education is also a public good, providing value to society far beyond your own benefit. Economists have shown the very tangible benefits of an educated workforce in their communities. The Nobel Laureate, Amartya Sen, documented how educating mothers in rural India produced huge benefits for children, boys, and especially girls throughout their villages. The founder of classical economics, Adam Smith, argued that public education was essential to add to workers’ wellbeing and quality of life. Your own villages, and neighborhoods, and communities need the public benefits you and your education will bring. You see, many goods are possible together that are not possible alone.
See more from the 2025 Davidson College Commencement.Â
Davidson College was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President Douglas Hicks.
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