The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1922-10-31
EDITORIALS


Initiative is that human characters
tic in which the will to do and the cour-
age to dare have their origin and being.
1t is the handspring of accomplishment
, and the keynote of progress. Initiative
has been the outstanding factor in the
lives and works of those persons whose
names are indissolubly linked with the
highest and best in human achievement
Thus speaks Clarence E. Edwards, one
of Americas most eminent men.
The will to do and the courage to
dare That is what makes the world go
round this is what keeps the edifice of
human accomplishment from falling to
the ground, and not only does it support
the edifice but it also builds anew and
keeps on building in greater or less de-
gree according TO the amount of initia-
tive borne in the human mind.
Famous persons for initiative have al
most invariably given evidence of it in
early years. 1t grows with them. They
do not suddenly blossom forth into hui
man maryels of accomplishment.
Then surely the place for showing
initiative is in the school, the place where
we prepare for citizenship, the place
where we prepare for future life in the
world If we do not show initiative in
the school, we will not show it in after
life unless some phenomenon of realiza-
ton occurs equal to a great, all-stirring
earthquake-which is very unlikely.
There are various ways of showing
initiative in school; and various quail
ties, if absent, must be developed, among
which are fearlessness of ridicule, quick
perception of opportunities, Willingness
to work and work hard, willingness to
accept all tasks for the furtherance of
community spirit and welfare.
1t is particularly important to show
initiative in the class room. Be always
wideawake, alert, vigilant. Watch for
opportunities TO make worthwhile recita-
tons. try to keep your interest alive. If
you do. you will help just so much to-
ward keeping someone else's interest
alive. Also consider the teacher whose
mission it is TO instill learning to aid
us in the development of the brain. If
we do not show initiative, if we do not
pay attention, if we are interested in a
hundred other subjects of no Importance,
we make ii very hard for the teacher who
is trying very hard to help u.s.. We
should pay attention, else we should not
come to the class room TO bother others
who wish to learn. If everyone should
show initiative. what wonderful classes
we might have A teacher feels that
his time and effort is wasted when a
feels that the pupils have little respect
and little desire to learn.
Above all things don't sit back with
an ''Oh, let George do it, attitude. That
never makes for initiative. If George
said the same thing. the school would be
school of ''dumb-bells." Do your part
and the work will get done. Never leave
it TO the other fellow.
In every community. organization. or
group there are always a certain few who
do all the work. Theirs is the glory and
the pleasure, too. else they would not dc
it. Ii each person did his part there
would be many instead of few of these
| and the community would be model as
it is, the majority lack initiative and
the minority continue to labor.
Even in the school. where initiative is
| most needed. the bunch" system pre-
walls, the few do the work. What is tc
be done TO eliminate this evil? DeveloI
initiative. Learn the pleasure which
comes of working for works sake and the
rewards which work brings Develop the
| spirit of go and Get IT,