Boston Latin School - Liber Actorum Yearbook (Boston, MA)

Page 19 text:

GENTLEMEN: Nicholas Murray Butler, late Presi- dent of Columbia University, once said that “Education truly conceived is spir- itual growth toward intellectual and moral perfection, and is not an artificial process to be carried on according to mechanical formulas to a purely mater- ial end.” There are utilities higher and utilities lower, and if a school in its zeal to fit the youth for self-support were to neglect to lay the foundation for that higher intellectual and spir- itual life which constitutes humanity’s full stature, it would sacrifice the high- er utilities to the lower. Fortunately the Class of 1968, along with the legions of past graduates, has received a training in the Humanities based on “spiritual growth toward in- tellectual and moral perfection.” Be- cause of this education, you are for- tified with knowledge and the know- why which will enable you to live the good life. Like the Latin School men of the past, you will be able to stand up and be counted upon to do your duty no matter what the cost. Let the cause be just, you will be its defender, there- by inspiring those of lesser moral fiber. You will be leaders in our society of tomorrow, never forgetting the ex- ample of the host of leaders whose names adorned our hallowed hall. The latter excelled in many fields of end- eavor but they all had one thing in common — a resolute determination to do their duty and excel in the area of talents with which their Creator so generously endowed them. Plato tells us, “For a man to conquer himself is the first and best of all victories.” The long hard road through the Latin School which you have traversed proves the Philosopher’s statement. You have done this by ac- quiring SELF-DISCIPLINE, the sine- qua-non for success in life. You have the Humanities to thank for that price- less virtue. Be never unmindful of the debt you owe your Masters, parents, and the good people of the City of Boston who made it possible for you to enjoy the privilege of attending this venerable institution. Be loyal to B.L.S., aid her in every way, make her cause your cause. Make it a goal to help future Latin School boys to achieve a college education by being a generous donor to the Scholarship Funds. Above all heed the admonition of Horace, “Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem — .” Albert J. VanSteenbergen Assistant Headmaster 15

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PRAECEP PRAECEPTORES Let him adopt a parental attitude, be strict but not austere. Let his discourses turn on what is honorable. He must be of great in- dustry, his demands not extravagant, and avoid sarcasm and abuse towards his pupils. — Quintilian on the duties of the teacher Such are the masters of the Latin School. TORES