Plymouth State University - Conning Tower Yearbook (Plymouth, NH)

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EDITH McADAMS JOHNSON F. BARBARA JONES RETA MAE ORDWAY FRANCES VIRGINIA WEEKS

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Harry Preble Svett To the Graduates of the Secondary Curriculum I suggest a maxim—a maxim for you to apply to yourselves and also for you, as citizens of a free country, to apply in judging social and political leaders. This is the maxim: Think completely and act accordingly. Moreover, intuitive action is the process of all thinking. Remember what Professor Barrett says concerning aesthetic thinking. You are familiar with historic insights: Archimedes and the crown; Newton and the apple; Descartes and analytic geometry; McKinley and the Philippine Islands. But we do the same way with smaller matters. We assemble the particulars that we need, or can get; then in some way comes the generalization. It is always an interesting process. Although we arc doing this all the time, we do not fully understand the mental activity. Professor Woodbridge, then of Columbia, said that nobody has ever settled the controversy over universals. He added: “The glory that would come from doing so could not be endured by mortal man.” It may be objected that human beings are imperfect and can never think completely. This is true of large philosophical, social, and political themes. But lesser problems can be outlined, and satisfactory conclusions can be reached. Professor Dewey’s “Steps” are relevant here. As for the larger themes that cannot be completely mastered, another maxim may be suggested, which will give courage in spite of human limitations: Never act upon a principle that is likely to cause harm to any person. This, in brief, is the democratic way of thought and action. Harry Preble Svett

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Guy E. Speare To the Graduates of the Elementary Curriculum The amazing world that is emerging from the tragedy of the present finds you alert and understanding. Excessive speed has made this world smaller, indeed a global neighborhood. Stern necessities are creating marvels so new that the future is unpredictable Your eager spirits are following the eternal quest for deeper meanings that will keep you abreast of change. Teaching in these times will not be easy. In their daily living the children will sense the profligate cost of our efforts in offense and defense. They will do their share while you cheer them in dark hours. You will lead them to new discoveries in the meaning of patriotism and loyalty. You will lure them to appreciation and inspiration as they gain culture and spiritual outlook. With them you will keep in touch with world affairs, and grow continually in your comprehension of our gift of freedom and our wonderful cultural heritage. The richest expression of elementary education is in the intimate life of the school. Here democracy is at its best. Children give themselves so completely to their interests that freedom with order inheres in their activities. Individuals and groups work together responsibly and grow in expression of opinion based upon tolerance. Kindly courtesy with respect for the rights of others flowers in this happy living where essential skills become integrated into rich, creative personalities. Thus you will teach in a world which, as never before, has need of your brave optimistic youth. 20 Guy E. Speare