University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

Page 21 text:

Editorial We as college students face in the near future our most difficult examination. It will not be a test as the number of words we can define, nor the number of history dates which we can remember, nor the abstract theories we can explain. The test which we must pass in order to maintain the standing of a university education will be whether or not we are morally, physically, mentally and spiritually fitted to take an active part in the solution of the weighty and far-reaching prob- lems of life. Some questions present themselves concerning the value of our college work. Have we retained and developed our physical endurance suf- fiently to withstand the heavy strain which will be placed upon us? Are we prepared to go into the filth, the dirt, and the misery of the slums to help find and remove the causes of human suff ' ering? Can we take up the problems of the children, women and men in industry with fairness to them and to their employers? Can we seek out and help remedy the social evils which are sapping our moral resistance and destroying the purity and power of the home? Has our study of civics, economics, and political sciences enabled us to meet our obligations as citizens of a big world, to understand and toh elp solve the problems of humanty, international relations, and the development and utilization of our physical and human re- sources along lines of strict fairness and justice to all mankind? Are we big enough and broad enough to put aside petty partisan politics and jingoism in order to think in world terms of human wel- fare? Are we strong enough to stand at all times for right against politcal pressure and influence and selfish interests? Is our religion as it relates to life such that we can look beyond creeds and exteriors into the very heart of things? Have we learned that selflessness is one of the greatest virtues? Have we developed our minds and our abilities and our aims nearer to those of the ideal? We have been given the opportunity and the instruments with which to equip ourselves better for building a social order that will benefit and bless humanity, withstand heavy pressure, and exist throughout many generations. Will the result be symbolized by the rough, crude, harsh piece of stone or the well-shaped, polished, attrac- , tive marble of the master workman? We are being and will be ob- served carefully during these days of big problems and the value of a university education will be estimated according to the part we play V in this great period of renovation, restoration and reconstruction. ZuMA Palmer. 17