> While neither Laplace transforms nor Shakespearen analysis are necessary to live, the former is probably more useful than the latter. Without context, such a

> While neither Laplace transforms nor Shakespearen analysis are necessary to live, the former is probably more useful than the latter. Without context, such an overbroad generalization is at best meaningless. If someone is choosing between potential spouses, or addressing a dishonest business colleague, or deciding how best to recognize a selfless samaritan, few branches of mathematics would be of any use. Whereas, one of Shakespeare's hundred and an half sonnets might be of direct "use". Usefulness and utility depend on context. Contextless generalizations about the value of different branches of human knowledge is generally meaningless.