The Role of the University

            The university, according to the word’s Latin roots, is a whole entity that “turns as one.” What over-arching principles held together and moved forward the universities you attended – or currently steer those that your progeny do? The men’s basketball team?  Sorry.

            Ideally, universities are held together by a willingness to work hard at intellectual labor, by an admiration for the process of honest inquiry and the ability to parry with academic prejudice, by separating what is being said from who is saying it, and by not missing out on answers from failure to ask questions. “Test everything.  Hold on to what is good,” advised that first-century architect of faith and practice, Paul of Tarsus. 

            By his principle, progressives and conservatives could work together more kindly and fruitfully.  Both emphases have much to teach us. The histories of enduring human societies are highlighted by progressive discovery of new knowledge and its advancing applications – and by conserving what had already been proven to be good. Who isn’t pleased with the advances in medicine and mechanics, transportation and telecommunications?  Who hopes we will conserve long-held, cherished values (equality under the law, freedom to speak what one thinks, respect for duly appointed authority, honest empirical study, gratitude to forebears , and humility before truth come to mind)?  

            The national conversation needs a re-awareness that progress without conservatism leads to misguidance and coercion and that conservatism without progress causes discouragement and rebellion.

Michael R. Witherspoon