Address delivered before the Educational Institute of Scotland (September 27, 1932)

Transcription

Mr. Chairman

I shall not attempt to put into words my emotions at this new and precious proof of appreciation from the Educational Institute of Scotland. The only perfect thanks is love, and I have that in full measure for those whose mission it is to teach.

To what body of men and women does mankind owe deeper gratitude than to its teachers? It is they who with tireless devotion build bright ramparts everywhere against ignorance, barbarism and limitation. Although we rarely see their names, yet we know that the world is pervaded and profoundly moved by their power. How little we think, when we honor a great poet or scientist or statesman, that the labor of one or many teachers is potent in his character and achievement! When we listen to a forceful orator, or read his eloquent speech, how seldom we remember that some invisible one was his teacher who had a gift of inspiring him, and who revealed to him the power of words! If we knew more about the teachers of Alexander, Napoleon and Washington and Lenin, we should know the source of the mighty influences that have swayed men and shaped momentous events.

Truly, civilization is the result of long ages of patient, purposeful teaching. The process is growing ever wider. Hundreds of men and women in every community are moulding (sic) the mind of youth to its future destiny, and the community that has the best teachers is in the vanguard of progress. The teachers of today and tomorrow will have as vital a part in shaping society as they have had in the past. As man advances to higher levels of thought, it will be the teacher's responsibility more and more to stress the altruistic impulses of his nature. Not only must man's intellectual powers be harmoniously developed, his sympathies must also be extended more and more to regard, not only the welfare but the happiness of his fellow-men of all races, and finally of the lower animals. If the teachers are faithful to their mission, we can be sure that the social instincts will grow not weaker but stronger, and that altruism will triumph in all departments of human life.

27th Sept. 1932