Temple University School of Dentistry - Odontolog Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 18 text:

Joseph Schwartz Business Manager I 12

Page 17 text:

JT IS customary to express some apprehension as to whether the graduating class is prepared for the responsibilities which it must assume, whether its members will bring to their new task a sense of deportment and a standard of right and wrong which modern society approves. I have no such apprehen' sions to express. My fear is that on returning to life from an institution like this, where critb cism and analysis range over wide fields of conduct and ideas, you will allow yourselves to be adapted far too easily and too quickly to the narrow intellectual horizons, the petty standards and the small prejudices of the communities in which you live. I am not afraid of your noncomformity; I am afraid of your conformity. I do not worry about your dissent; I worry about your acquiescence. The thing that I dread for you is the cloud of dullness settling over your lives as it has settled over the lives of so many who have gone before you. What is the use of all the educational machinery if it does not equip us with a capacity to be “different ? A capacity to be different, a contempt for majorities, a determination to climb mountains if one climbs alone this is the true end of education. Only in so far as they promote this attitude do our colleges justify themselves. For it is always the minorities that hold the key of progress; it is always through those who are unafraid to be different that advance comes to human society. But, what can the individual do? The adjustment must be an individual adjustment, and there is no single road wherein all may walk. Merely by way of suggestion, let it be said that the only life worth living is one that is unafraid and has a capacity to be different. A life that is willing to cut loose from the past for the sake of the future, that will take chances in casting loose from old traditions and old techniques. It does not adapt either its pace or its objectives to the pace and objectives of its neighbors. It does not fear solitude, either physical or intellectual. It mortgages the integrity of its mind to no ecclesiastical organization, to no political party, to no group whatsoever. Its mind is its own; its loyalties are selFselected, and it is its own court of last resort. It does not fear alteration in human knowledge and arrangements; it welcomes it. It is not afraid of new ideas; it is eager to test them. The prime characteristic of this life is that it is unafraid to keep on growing. You who are going back, take with you this ideal of life: a life that is eager and unafraid. It is the only prescription for the dullness of the standardized existence. This attitude is not too greatly affected by environment, because it is a life lived from within. It is an attitude of mind. The herd life goes on about us with its altars to unknown gods, but let us worship at the shrines that our own hands have fashioned. 11 J. C. W.

Page 19 text:

ZN THE Advertising Section are listed the messages from thoroughly reliable firms who are interested in our patronage. They know us and they know that we require the best. Impressions advertisements are not evidences of dona' tions, but represent the eagerness of the firms listed to serve well the profession of Dentistry. The work of each advert tiser is a pledge of cooperation and satisfactory service. It is to your interest to consult with Impressions Adver tisers in connection with your needs. They are your friends. We recommend them. Joseph Schwartz, Business Manager. 13