Sadly, amidst a vast profusion of knowledge, universities abrogate responsibility for showing young learners what is essential. Left to select for themselves, most students arrive late, if at all, to an awareness of what they want and need out of college. Thus, according to James Bernard Murphy, a well-constructed core of courses, presented in the first two years, is crucial to a complete education. He presents his thoughts on constructing such a core, mindful that spirited interplay of ideas within a common framework of study fosters the social and intellectual growth that leads to freedom. (Contains 3 notes.)