Salem High School - Quaker Yearbook (Salem, OH)

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The special effort at rightness, at talking sense with others, at getting and producing, lies in preparation—a long, slow process. Such a preparation can be found in both the often- tested traditions and in the untried novelties. The two major cultures, the culture of Brothers and the culture of Stran- gers, influence the decisions and forms of our preparation. With our kindred in the culture of Brothers, we are taught prejudice: the acceptance of similarity, the alienation of difference. Within this culture of Brothers—or when the two cultures can merge—we have provided for ourselves a traditional preparation, a formula to follow. The essential point of personal preparation is the knowl- edge of the truth—a personal convincing truth—and simul- taneously realizing that such an absolute truth is far be- yond all knowing. Such a realization and enlightenment brings inner as well as outer change. It assumes the form of a religious experience, yet supercedes all of faith. It dis- criminates in justice; it destroys the tinted glass through which the world is often viewed; and it meets each chal- lenge courageously with an inner vision constantly fixed on its loyalties. In the moment of graduation, in religion, and in patriotism, we recognize the twin nature—the end, the beginning—of life. With preparation and dedication, with our inner vision fixed on our goals, with that special effort for rightness, we will, at times, eliminate the greys in mankind and watch in the silhouette—ornate and simple— the ritual of life.