The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1924-12-17

of reaction against the philosophy of the
"go-getter," at least as applied to educa-
tion
1t is long overdue
Writing in the American Mercury Richard
Burton, head of the English department of the
University Of Minnesota, gentleman and
scholar, says;
It is high time to ask if college is
machine from which any and every
kind of information should be handed
= out as you turn the crank, or has it for
it's object intellectual attainment and the
pursuit of learning for it's own sake?
To make the inquiry is not to say that
both aims are not legitimate, nor is it
to forfeit claim to sound American
ism. 1t is simply to ask that we clarity
muddy thinking, and substitute
clear perception of what are about
for mush of vague conceptions
Logic demands that acknowledge
that hordes of people in country like
this need all sorts of practical training,
and that institutions providing it, and
so labeled, should be furnished them,
leaving to real colleges (this clarified
by the proper drainage) the business of
taking care of those who want truly col
legiate work, and are capable of doing
it. What a blessing if
colleges had the backbone to say to in
quiring youth: almost anybody go
to college, but this doesn't mean that ev-
erybody should"
Right in this line certain colleges and uni
versties applying principle of
selection, and striving to get students who will
stake education and a real one.
Tn .rocant hook entitled "The legacy of
Greece" of the writer's says and with per-
feet truth, that we are suffering, and indeed in
danger of relapsng into something like bar.
barism, as a result of our break of continuity
with the past.
The classics are not taught, the writer says
the Bible is not taught, and education is very far
from being what it should be-,
AS a result, we losing our religion, our
social ideals, and sense and knowledge OF
the beautiful, and even our regard for truth ex-
cept as it may be useful in the business of the
"go-getter."
All of which is true-the more the pity!
1t is not pessimistic to say that we are great
ly in need of a renaissance.
The institutions of learning, if they are truly
such, ought to lead the way.
Aristocracies of rank, wealth or social status
are most Objectionable as all agree But ar
arlstocracy OF lnteHect, freSloenI burton IhhS
is greatly to be desired, is indeed essential.
We certainly should be breeding scholars
and humanists, be training men to meet the en-
ormousy difficult problems of life in the strength
that comes from knowledge of the past and OF
the great truths promulgated by great men.
Present-day psychology is no substitute for
philosophy and efficiency can not take the place
of knowledge and love of art and poetry.
We have sacrificed, and are sacrificing al.
together too much to the gospel of the "go-get-
ter" and in doing are spelling much excel
lent material, and also giving our young people
false sense of comparative values, and setting
up false and dangerous standards.
May the reaction, which now seems to be
setting in, gather strength rapidly, and sweep us
on to heights which are now obscured in the mist
of ideals which are at least not the highest!