Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 6 text:

Man is a creature who, by his very nature, aspires to progress. The world has left the age of steel and elec- tricity; it has entered the age of space and the atom. Man is faced with a great choice: he has the tools with which he can eradicate pain, hunger, and disease; how- ever, with these same tools he can also destroy him- self and his earth. But material progress without a concurrent devel- opment in moral and spiritual values is extremely dangerous. Mechanism knows no right or wrong. If man is to profit by technical progress, he must be guided by an ethical code of values. The ideal of Juda- ism is the preservation and growth of these ethical prin- ciples — principles that will guide material prosperity.

Page 8 text:

DEDICATION r Tf ----- 1 ■ ■ Dr. Seymour Lainoff Assistant Professor of English The purpose of a college education is two-fold: first, it prepares the individual for independent thought and action and, perhaps more important, it enables him to recognize his own intellectual limitations. In carrying out this program, education, faced with these seemingly contradictory goals, must mold the student by blending pride in himself with consideration for the opinions of others. In short, education must instill not only individ- ualism but humility. Dr. Seymour Lainoff is particularly successful in applying the two aspects of this program. We can remem- ber many pleasant, stimulating hours of exchange of ideas in his classes. He would never curtly dismiss a student ' s comment or question; he was always willing to explore the opinions of others. We feel that he uniquely symbol- izes the successful blending of initiative and humility. Often the quiet, soft-spoken person is overshadowed by his more aggressive associates. Eventually, however, the deserving individual receives his due recognition. It is, therefore, with deep appreciation that we dedicate this Masmid to Dr. Seymour Lainoff.