Salem High School - Quaker Yearbook (Salem, OH)

Page 9 text:

Man is built through his relationships; in his dealings with others he becomes a solid, a complete, individual Within his group, each man’s weakness is complemented by a strength, each flaw by a virtue. It is this system of comple- mentary characteristics, this constant packing of human companionship, which guarantees man’s progress in any society. In all of humanity, superiority provides examples for improvement and growth; strength leads weakness and weakness leads to strength. It is guidance which helps man to build his distinct personality and fulfill an everchanging need for talent. Each student begins his study as only another face, rises once to an apex, and returns to the crowd. Social guidance prepares, leads, supports, and encourages this cycle. A spotlight shines where society is gathered, and each suc- cessful face is for a moment in its beam. Yet, in the one real world—where the crowd is gathered—there exists al- ways an undivided wholeness. As the spotlight travels its course over the visage of mankind, we watch from the side- lines, prepared for the worst of what life’s game might bring, We are drawn together in expectation, realizing that once that light shines on us we will never be the same again. When the light does shine, we find we are alone to play the game. Then, intent on the goals we have set for ourselves, we ignore the hand of opposition and the fea- tures of distraction. Though we fight alone, our victories are never lonely. It is the excitement of conquest and the necessity of complements which binds men together. This uniting is the mainspring of our social institutions. When mankind gathers in groups, he builds families, cities, and nations. Through these organizations, and through the communications which give them energy, quality comple- ments quality and mankind becomes a unified whole.