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

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To suggest that the hallmark of liberal education is to liberate the human mind, enabling it to be- come independent and critical in all of its judg- ments, is more than a play on words. It is the sine qua non of good education. Yet, we live in a society that neither rewards nor praises those who think for themselves. It is ob- vious that the social and material advantages come to those who conform, who fit the pattern and blend into the landscape of existing trends of thought and action. Theoretically, the university community is the place where intellectual curiosity, compassion, and richness and variety of imagina- tive life can flourish; but realistically, the univer- sity is also a part of the culture in which it finds itself. Therefore, institutions of higher learning are confronted with a dilemma. On the one hand, they are, by their very nature, committed to free- dom of thought, independence of spirit, and cre- ativity of expression; yet, on the other hand they are closely tied to the existing social patterns which gave them birth. However, if a university is to be great and fulfill its primary role, it must be dedicated to lead so- ciety and not be bound by it. The advances our University has made within the last decade is a clear indication that here is a setting where stu- dents are provoked to think independently and tc become leaders in our society. At the same time, we must remember that independence of thought must be coupled with a sense of responsibility and responsiveness to the needs of mankind. In a world that may explode any minute, there is no room for thought and action which is not guided by broad, humanistic standards and concerns consonant with our democratic heritage. Inde- pendence of mind can be a liberating force, or it can be a destructive instrument, depending upon the use we make of this freedom. There is no question that a great deal of personal satisfac- tion comes when a man perceives the facade

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THE INDEPENDENT MIND h

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of our culture and penetrates beyond its obvious superficiality to a deeper under- standing of it. But this is not enough. The late President John F. Kennedy chal- lenged our student body a few years ago to assume positions of leadership within our society, and thus help reshape our world toward the ideal ends we have sought so long to achieve. With such a concern, the moral dimension of education becomes central. For only when such a responsible vision is accepted will the independent mind find direction and have intrinsic value. As I see it, it is within this context that the University of Southern California strives to afford to its students wide opportunities to discover and develop new knowledge and at the same time help him become more sensitive to the common humanity he shares with all men. The Master Plan of the University, dedicated to this kind of outreach of mind and spirit, implemented by new facilities and an able faculty, is a major step in the achievement of these goals.