Bertolt Brecht - 1940

My young son asks me: Must I learn mathematics?

What is the use, I feel like saying.

That two pieces of bread are more than one's

about all you'll end up with.

My young son asks me: Must I learn French?

What is the use, I feel like saying.

This State's collapsing. And if you just rub your belly

with your hand and groan,

you'll be understood with little trouble.

My young son asks me: Must I learn history?
What is the use, I feel like saying.

Learn to stick your head in the earth,

and maybe you'll still survive.

Yes, learn mathematics, I tell him.

Learn your French, learn your history!