North Georgia College - Cyclops Yearbook (Dahlonega, GA)

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and forces — real as paving stones. The old science occupied itself with the study and description of the outward finite world of fact: the new science is to soar into the inner, infinite realm of reality and truth. Self-discovery instead of world-discovery is the keynote of the present thought. There are within man ' s being latent and unde eloped powers and resources of the which we are unable to scan the faintest rudi- ments, and which ask no less than the infinite cycles of time in which to find full-orbed expression. We are evidently and palpably entering upon the threshold of a new era in the world ' s history, and the educated man — the thinking man--holds the reins of influence and will naturally gravitate to the po- sition of greatest honor and trust. 7 he man of ideas will be pre-eminently the man of power and potency. Thus one ' s value to societv will be determined by the number and character of the ideas he entertains. Fducation makes the mind fecund and creative, enhances the sense of individual worth by breaking down all barriers that cabin and confine, opens up nev ' worlds of truth and beauty; but ideas after all are powerless unless crystallized into character and conduct. So besides inspiring thought, education inculcates love for humanity, which supplies the true stimulus for service. Without executive ability the scholar becomes a mere bibliophile, or book-worm, isolated from the practical world of affairs, and incurs the sharp censure which Goethe puts into the mouth of Faust: ' ' I ' ve now, alas! Philosophy, Medicine and Jurisprudence, too. And to my cost Theology; With ardent labor studied through, And here I stand with all my lore. Poor fool, no wiser than before. Moreover, knowledge without principle to regulate and dire;t it into chan.iels of highest usefulness, is a dangerous and deadly weapon. Knowledge, indeed, is a power, but as so often witnessed, this energy may be misdirected, or misused. Pducation is as requisite to an ideal villain as it is to an ideal citizen. Therefore education in its full and final import is life, and its mission — which is the purpose that runs through the ages-- ' Aill not be consummated until knowled., ' e shall cover the earth as t!ie waters cover the sea. —Alex Burch.

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Nature and Value of Education. N tliL ' final analysis, education is the aim anti end of life anti livini;. It iiol onU ' adapts one III) liis en ironment. but also develops within the indisitlual the capacil) ' and cajiahilily to modify and control it. In the large it presents the universal solvent for all problems, theo- retical or practical, that confront man in his irrepressible c]uest after truth. Ultimately as has been characteristically obseryed by one of earth ' s most inspired prophets and seers, salvation in the broad sense of the term depends upon the understanding of Life and the Universe, including man. Confessedly, then, the serious question of education is one about which all should be vitally concerned. This 1 call tragedy, says Thomas Carlyle, that there shfiuld one man die ignorant who had ca- pacity for knowledge. No loved and loving parents should suffer the one entrusted for a little while to their kindly care and benign protection to enter the arena of life with any less preparation than the best they can give. Kntailed estate may be lost by fire and flood, but the royal bequest of an education is an endowment inalienable that abides vvith us still, even beyond the confines of this material existence. 1- en from a financial view-point the educated man has the greatest capacity and competency to conserve, mullipi ' and in fine to enjoy his wealth. For sovereigns may purchase the choicest libraries, but it takes the refined and cultivated mind to hold high converse with departed aLithors; may procure sublime art galleries, but beauty is only half canvas; may employ orchestras, but it requires a delicacy trained faculty within to appreciate the dulcet harmonies without. Thus education brings man in tune with the Infinite and dis- covers to him all that is real and eternal. To-day as never before there is admittedly a great demand for the educated man. In every realm (if Iniman activity and endeavor there is found a premium upon brain p:nver. For the young especially, just entering upon life ' s journey, the future is radiant indeed with the colors of hope. Heir of all the rich and ennobling legacies of the past, blessed with the glorious advantages and opportunities of the present, dominated by lofty ideals and disinterested motives with the ision splendid leading e er upward and onward, the student ' s career is inevitably attended by high achievement and grand success. F ' rom the world of insensate matter man is turning his thought toward the universe of mind. Ihe object at the smaller end of the telescope is a greater mystery than the infinite host of flaming orbs brought within the range of vision — the wonderer is the wonder. Ideals are now recogni ced as implacable facts

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Class of 1908. In the pleasant days of spring, While the woods with music ring, With happy songs of birds, Still stroll we through the halls of college, Trying to gain a little more knowledge, ' Ere the time for parting words. Soon will the class of nineteen eight Be called to leave each dear school-mate, Alumni ranks to join; Commencement means commencing life. Full of pleasure, toil and strife, And a seeking after coin. Tho ' leave we must dear old N. G. A. C, Yet true to her we ' ll ever he; And should we ne ' er return. We ' ll watch her proudlv from atar, While her gates of knowledge stand ajar, . nd loyal hearts within us burn. Happy days in the city of gold, In memory fond we ' ll e ' er hold, And cherish friends here made; On each, life ' s blessings we would shower A name and fame had we the power. For a life of dut ' well repaid. M. C. GAY, Class Poet.