I see having a good knowledge of the classics as equivalent to having good hygiene. If you don't want to take a shower, then, okay, that's totally your choice. But a lot of people are going to look down on you for it. Having a basic knowledge of the classics is having the shower; a broader knowledge is like styling your hair, a deeper knowledge is like having a great perfume. People will respect you more for it without understanding their reason to. You have a choice as to bow to society's expectations.