Every so often someone says to me that academcis are disconnected from the world.
In those moments, I think of people like Earl Smith and his research. And it reminds me that academics can speak to the world and change it, if they choose to.
This holiday season remember work like Earl. Be attentive to its implications for how we live and how we treat each other.
For academics to change the world, we have to not only do research, but also act on it.
Be attentive to people who are struggling, listen to women who are in trouble, and offer unconditional support.
Academics become relevant when our research leaves the Ivory Tower and informs positive change.
