MIT has been going downhill for at least 20 years. Years ago, it seemed like they were trying to “be Harvard” and I did not understand why. Harvard is Harvard and for MIT to aspire to be like them struck me as a step down. MIT kept bragging about its liberal arts credentials more and more.
Back in the day NO ONE went to MIT for liberal arts. (And they SHOULDN’T, because they are taking a slot away from someone who wants to be a scientist or engineer.) The only students who ended up with liberal arts degrees were IMO those who couldn’t make it in science and engineering.
Another thing that has contributed to the downfall of MIT is their selection of Institute Presidents. They used to always be chosen from MIT alumni. That ended in 1990. Since then they’ve had 4 non-alum presidents including 2 women and one foreigner. They did not understand the culture of MIT and certainly did not nurture it. Nothing against women or foreigners, but they all seemed to be far more interested in social engineering than in real engineering.
Preach it, brother.