Week 3: Rerum Cognoscere Causas

Hello from the rainy capital of the world! Another exciting week has gone by, and with an exciting week comes exciting stories. Most of my time has been consumed by going to class, reading in the library, and hanging out with the people in my dorm therefore not too much exploring was accomplished, but a lot of observations were made. The classes at LSE have begun and like I mentioned in my last post I am taking four classes. Each lecture, however, is fitted with a discussion section, aimed to help students understand the material covered by the professor and add their own points of view on the topics covered. Realistically, it's an opportunity for PhD students to get classroom experience. The LSE is very much dedicated to independence in education, meaning that students are given more time on their own to explore concepts and learn by reading, rather than having to listen to lectures. Usually after reading for 8 hours (8 hours per class, that's right) you walk into the discussion class and are immediately asked "Why did this happen," "What was the cause behind this," "Why did the author choose this argument" etc. No wonder the motto for LSE is: "Rerum Cognoscere Causas" or "To understand the cause of things." It is taken from a phrase Vergil wrote in 29 BC "Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas" or "fortune is he, who is able to know the cause of things." So far, the one who understands "the cause of things" usually is pretty bright. I have never really faced a system like this, in my recent memory, and it is definitely challenging but very very fun. For example, in my international history class, we are discussing the Marshall Plan and its importance in European Integration. During one class the Professor (he teaches the discussion because there are only 10 students in the class) questioned us on why the Europeans would want to integrate using the Marshall Plan. It was difficult for the class to get beyond the ordinary answers like economic and security reasons, but we eventually figured it out: European unity meant a more stable international system, one that would thrive using Marshall aid and ultimately block the specter of communism. The answer may seem obvious now, but it definitely was not then. Most of my classes are like this. Whether it is Chinese economic history and Latin American economic history, students at the LSE are often trying to Rerum Cognoscere Causas - understand the cause of things. 

Work hard play hard was a concept my sister taught - and I haven't looked back since. Having lived in Washington for two years, I had never stepped a foot inside a club. Most of my fraternity brothers and I would venture out to bars or house parties, never introducing the thought of going out clubbing. In London, however, that's all they do! Without getting into too many details which may result in my mom lecturing me about the dangers of being out at night, London clubs are pretty cool. They are separated by rooms (one for hip-hop music, one for techno, and the others for pop, jazz, etc.) Drinks are expensive on the weekend, so we usually stick to student's night (Tuesday). This is all good and well until I have to wake up early Wednesday morning for class (not fun, especially when you are asked "why things are caused" about a reading you hardly remembered.)

On Thursday , I had to opportunity to sit in on a lecture by Sir Howard Davies, the Director of LSE, during which he spoke on the topic, "Who Runs Britain." Sir Howard went through the usual cast of characters, the PM, the Queen, the Chancellor of Exchequer (treasury secretary), etc. He is a smart man, definitely, but not that good of a public speaker. After the fourth or fifth pie-chart, I ducked out to attend another event. 

That night, Clifford Chance, the highest grossing law firm in the world, held an event at their offices to introduce students to careers at their firm. It was spectacular, to say the least. They boozed us up (of course, everyone does that in London),  and then fed us. The event was held on the 30th floor of their building in Canary Warf (London's financial district) which overlooked the entire city. It was magnificent. One of the partners spoke for 15 minutes and the rest of the time was allotted to networking with trainee's and junior partners. I learned about the UK system (law education and law practice) which is very different from the US. It was interesting and I'm thinking about applying for an internship at the firm for the summer - even though only 40 out of the 3000 applicants are chosen.  

One of the more foolish things that happened was on the way back from the club Tuesday night we encountered UCL students (University College of London) and subsequently tried to persuade them that America is better (I get into these arguments a lot at night, when I'm with Americans, and we bleed red, white, and blue). They were not receptive, to say the least. At one point they started cheering "George Bush" when we came back with a World War 1, World War II chant. This went on for 20 or so minutes on the bus until we all got tired. It was fun, nonetheless. 

I'll leave you with 5 reasons why America is great:

1. Sports - a real man plays football, not soccer. 

2. Old Glory

3. Freedom - need I continue? 

4. Everyone else listens to our music

5. We might not have come first in the World Cup, but we still beat the United Kingdom (oh wait, they invented soccer). 

Until next time!