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Words of wisdom over the years...
- In this new movement, business men and women will be the leaders, taking the place of prospectors, soldiers, and explorers of an earlier generation. The task is so challenging that our most capable and coura-geous young people will be needed and in my opinion will find an outlet for their enthusiasm in the field of business. (1935)
- We would rather have criticism from our alumni than from any other source. We know that when you speak, we may count upon your speaking as loyal sons and daughters who have at heart not only the interest of your college or university as such but who have at heart — also and mainly — the good of the youth of America. (1937)
- Authority must derive from reason, not from position. (1938, Inaugural)
- Administrative work in the university has no end in itself. It is not important by itself. It is important only when and if it can be made to advance the real work of the university, which is the quest for truth and its dissemination to our students and the development of their minds and characters. (1938)
- Don’t be afraid to work hard. This world was not built by loafers. Furthermore, there is no satisfaction equal to the realization that you have done a task well. Love the beautiful. Indiana. Brown County, Leavenworth, the golden rain tree, the dunes, a sum-mer day in Boone County — Grandma called it carnal. (Jan. 30, 1939, Father/son banquet in Lebanon, Ind.)
- Throughout life, you should cultivate unselfish loyalties to objectives and institutions outside yourself and your career, objectives and institutions worthy of the best that is in you. The university is worthy of such loyalty. (May 8, 1939, Senior farewell banquet)
- A university cannot render distinguished service to its constituency without a distinguished faculty; therefore, the selection of faculty personnel is of first importance. During these five years (1937-42), more time and effort have been spent in examination and selection of faculty than in the performance of any other duty. (1942)
- Take a good look around. One day a few years from now, you'll be reminded that you sat in this meeting with someone named Mary Jones, or Willie Brown, or Wendell Willkie, or Ernie Pyle. You'll want to remember it. While you are about it, take a good look at yourself. (Oct. 13, 1946, freshman induction)
- The visit of the world's greatest opera organization and your presence here are a part of a plan and of an objective of Indiana University. Both are steps in the program of the university to make the whole state of Indiana its campus, and to that ever-widening campus to bring the best in music and the finest in artistic expression. (1946)
- It seems to me it is essential that we stand firm in our support of the book (Sexual Behavior in the Human Male) and the research (of Alfred Kinsey). We are not called upon to endorse the findings, but are called upon to stand firm in support of the importance of the project and the right to publish it. Any less than that would be fatal. We would lose the respect and services of our best faculty men and respect of the scholarly world generally. (1947)
- Without freedom there can be no integrity of intellect. (1957)
- Our scientists have to be permitted the time, freedom, and respect for their working schedules to let the mind go where it will, to invent, to examine the world. (1957)
- Students are the life blood of a great university. But to pump and move the blood, a great university must have great teachers. (May 3, 1961, Founders Day)
- Long ago it was said that the pen was mightier than the sword. When the sword becomes too destructive to draw, the pen must bear the full responsibility for victory. Only ideas can triumph over ideas. (June 5, 1961, Commencement)
- Worry about youth is popular. I think I know exactly what is going to happen to today's youth. They are going to grow up, marry, have children, and worry about what is going to happen to youth. (Delta Upsilon, Aug. 22, 1961)
- Some day I may grow old enough to recall the past, but I don't have time now. (Nov. 13, 1961)
- I love IU, and I plan to spend the rest of my life in her service. (1962)
- My deepest interest has been to make sure the university had the best faculty we could have and be sure we had the resources to encourage them in creativity. (1962)
- Through the years, Indiana University has tried to preach the gospel that to be a university of the first rank in this day and age, it must keep its eye on Birdseye [a small town in southern Indiana] and on Bangkok, and, of course, on Bloom-ington. (1965)
- (David Starr) Jordan believed in the Darwinian theory. Many of the ’good’ people of the state were shocked by his heresy. There were those who predicted the ruin of the university. He traveled the state battling for academic freedom — the right of the scholar to search for, discover, and proclaim the truth as he perceived it. He was constantly involved in controversy with the clergy, the Legislature, and the taxpayers. But as a result of his courage, Indiana University became a university in fact as well as name. (April 17, 1969, University of Notre Dame)
- Public higher education must not be made selective. It should not be solely for the rich or for the poor but for the youth of every economic level. (May 7, 1969, Founders Day)
- Quoting a Chinese proverb: "If you are planning for a year ahead, sow rice; for 10 years, plant trees; for 100 years, educate people." (1970)
- I believe it is fair to say that philanthropy has been a civilizing influence beyond measure; that it has been the font for many of the inspirations of progress; and that America is forever being improved by the generous impulse of her citizens. (1970)
- An increasingly urban America needs the breathing space of natural green areas. Succeeding generations of alumni, faculty, students, and staff have here united in a determined effort to keep intact our natural green quadrangles and to provide for new ones as the campus expands. To cut a tree unnecessarily has long been an act of treason against our heritage and the loyalty, love, and effort of our predecessors who have preserved it for us. (1974)
- My first maxim is, Be lucky. (1980)
- Provide for the esoteric, exotic, and impractical in the curriculum; the practical and pedestrian will take care of itself. If it does not, you have not lost much anyway; so I think the impractical things are the most practical and important in the long run. (1980)
- An identifying characteristic of Indiana University is its proud tradition of hospitality to students from foreign lands. These students have enriched the cultural milieu of the university community and spread the influences of the university world-wide. (April 23, 1982)
- You have a responsibility to be loyal alumni, to meet the demands of success in your profession, and to maintain a stable and rewarding family life. (May 7, 1988, Commencement)
- Democracy in education implies equal opportunity for all who are capable of learning. We must find ways to keep open the door of educational opportunity to all who have the ability and desire to enter that door, now and in the 21st century. (1995)
- I should have died two years ago. Trouble is, I’ve got too much work yet to do. (1996)