Algebra useless, calculus useless, home economics dangerous (eat red meat,red meat, eggs and more red meat was the pyramid in my youth)

And come to think of it, almost nothing I learned in school seemed to have any direct, practical application when it came to living a life well. I've often thought schools should be better 'life coaches' - teach you how to understand your tax forms, how to buy and/or fix your house, how to repair your fridge, what the best careers are, etc. etc. instead of teaching Chemistry and Shakespeare as 'must haves.'

But I will admit that taking graduate level ecology courses had a profound effect on my love of nature- mostly b/c one of my professors decided the best way to understand the environment was to directly experience it. Our classroom 'field trip' over the Adirondacks had an indelible and positive effect on me and my love of the natural world.