In a graduation oration delivered in 1898 Wilhelm Rognlie emphasized that physical development as well as mental and moral development are important for the whole man. Man is eminently endowed with powers, physical, mental and moral, all capable of development. These powers were manifestly intended to be harmoniously developed to the end that man might be able to fulfill the purposes of his existence. The training, development, or strengthening of man's powers, or the condition thus produced, we call culture. Thus, culture of the physical nature is the basis for a full and harmonious development of the whole personality.
Mental culture takes up and carries forward what physical culture prepares for and begins.
It is the developing and training of the powers of the intellect necessary for an intelligent fulfillment or execution of man's duties in the various capacities he may be serving. If the physical is neglected, man cannot accomplish the best results, no matter how brilliant his mind may be, or noble the impulses of his soul. He may be likened unto a monstrous cannon mounted on an inferior carriage that dismounts itself every time it is discharged. Should he secure the best physical and moral training and neglect the intellectual, he would be equally useless. But when we have a well disciplined mind supported by a strong, well developed body, and these controlled by a pure heart, an incorruptible moral purpose that recognizes man's true relation to God and to his fellowman, we have the only well equipped and true noble man.