&gt; a profession consists of individuals who have undergone a standard form of training, culminating in some kind of recognized title and degree.<p>So the professions were pillars of society when the world changed little and education was scarce. Now most people complete college and &quot;the professions&quot; are a quaint old-timey thing.<p>It would have been nice if the author weren&#x27;t such a meandering windbag, but maybe he has trouble getting to the point because he can&#x27;t bring himself to say he just wishes they professions were still considered &quot;elite&quot;.