Word: meiklejohn
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...Meiklejohn, the former president of Amherst College, seems to arouse, among those who are interested in him and his doctrines, only two feelings--either violent enthusiasm or violent condemnation. He has, however, contributed an article in the current issue of Harper's Magazine--"The college and the Common Life"--which by its clarity and force should realign these two divergent feelings into sober admiration. In it he has set forth what to him is the teacher's credo and since he has had a wealth of experience from which to formulate the credo, one will do far better to listen...
There is a magnetism and a fire running through the papers in this not very large book, that set is quite in a class by itself, so far as it is to be put in a class at all. Mr. Meiklejohn is deeply concerned with the problem of educating persons to realize the value of freedom of activity, and, that done, of showing them what they should do to obtain that freedom, and what the college can do to help the general plan. He sets up an ideal, which, unlike many that have been puppeted before the public in recent...
...doing of advise to graduating classes has become, here is a fresh note, a voice that extols the straight and narrow path with gracious sincerity and compelling logic. And similarly, the address on Elisha Benjamin Andrews, one time president of Brown University, gives opportunity for the exercise of Mr. Meiklejohn's talent for description of character and achievement; it is a character sketch of real merit. In "The Machine City", an address made at a Pawtucket anniversary, one finds again the ability to treat a hackneyed subject from a fresh and charming point of view, that reverses the usual adage...
...most outstanding article in the book, however, is the centennial address. In this Mr. Meiklejohn looks forward to the next century; and while that is a hobby for many who have thoughts on human life at all, it seems to us that here again the author has scored high. Keen analysis of present day situations, intelligent awareness of the lessons of history, and vigor of presentation, carry the reader to the heights and beyond. And, best of all, there is no attempt to say that in 1950 automobiles will have thirty-two cylinders, or that speech will become unnecessary...
...curious to note how much Mr. Meiklejohn is able to convey by his wording. His inaugural address is a rhetorical model, a perfect illustration of the use of topic sentence and so forth; and to a certain extent an illustration of how stupid the sue of mechanical rules alone can be. The baccalaureate sermon, on the other hand, is replete with dignity and yet grace; while the prophecy of the next hundred years is filled with almost poetic fire. Almost all through the book, except in the inaugural address, there is a lilt to the words that is akin...