University Motto And Arms

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29221, 3 June 1960, Page 3

University Motto And Arms

Sir,—The foundations of truth in any inquiry are simple. The edifice built upon them may be infinitely complex. But the principle will be the same from the foundations upwards. In the motto previously suggested, “truth” meant truth in every university discipline, or mental process undertaken. In the newly suggested “Et veritas liberabit vos,” “veritas” appears undefinable save as an agreement with the gospeller’s religious enthusiasms. And what is this “veritas” going to save you from? Hellfire, the 49 articles, communism, or what? And what on earth is the “ethos” of a university “down the ages”? Let’s talk sense and stop pretending we know all sorts of things we don’t know: for example that the maker of space and all the universe in it made man in his own image but has had only one son in millions of years. Believe that, if you wish. But don’t inflict it upon others.—Yours, etc., L. G. POCOCK. June 1, 1980.

Sir,—lt was refreshing to read of an anonymous suggestion that a verse from the Gospel of St. John (8:32) would be suitable, and I would heartily approve, if for no other reason than that the sentence is from the life of our Lord. It is rather disturbing to read that some members actively combat or remain agnostic about accepted Christian teaching, and I hope they are a very small minority and not large enough to influence the selection of a motto. While it is true that people mint be free to think as they like, the fact remains that the foundation of the university has always remained in fairly close relationship with the church. If it ever happens (and I hope it never will) that the church has no influence on the university, then a verse from the Scripture could apply: “Ichabod” (The glory is departed).—Yours, etc., W. W. STEWART. June 1, 1960.

Sir.—lt seems that Professor Pocock’s support for “Learn to seek the truth” is based upon

his own commendable realisation that there are many natural facts which are, as yet, not fully understood by our greatest scholars and trained scientists. “Learn to seek the truth” is a motto which could profitably be studied by many of dur ill-in-formed university educationists. It can easily be proved that a little learning has produced educationists who perpetuate unchecked “old wives’ tales” as scientific facts, because their conceits and the prejudices which Professor Pocock refers to do not permit that they “Learn to seek the truth.” It is deplorable that modern scientists do find it easier to absorb “accepted opinion” than to “Learn to seek the truth.” —Yours, etc., JAMES L. SADLER. June 1, 1960.

Sir, —It is hard to see why Professor Pocock should have found yesterday’s report so infuriating. Some people hold that the only truth attainable is scientific and historical truth. Others contend that by employing our innate powers of reason we can, from the study of ascertainable facts, attain philosophical and religious truth. But all can agree that it is good to seek the truth, and that knowledge of the truth brings freedom. Surely the' professor is pushing secularism ,to extravagant length? when he rejects “Veritas vos liberabit” simply because the words were uttered by Christ, and would be much less opposed to their acceptance if they were found in Cicero or Virgil. Has he remembered that if it were not for the monks there would not be much of Cicero or Virgil—or the Odyssey either—for us to study.—Yours, etc., G.H.D. June 1, 1960.

Sir,—Cicero usually closes his letters to his wife with the conventional “vale,” but he rings the changes on this for occasions calling for more feeling. “Cura, ut vales,” like any good apophthegm, cannot be translated into more than an approximate equivalent, such as the colloquial “Mind you take- care of yourself.” It might yet be thought of as the university saying to the young student. “Good luck to you, but your luck, in exams as in life, depends on your swot”; or as the old student saying to the university, “Farewell, and may it be my business as much as yours that you fare well.”—Yours, etc., E.B.J. June 1, 1960.