When I left the campus in June 1971 after receiving my commission in the Navy, the University’s “informal motto” had plain meaning, and a special meaning to me. When that motto was “expanded” at my 25th, I was surprised, and somewhat bemused. But having learned that this motto has been changed yet again to incorporate the word “humanity,” I can’t help but recall the words that Dostoevsky put on the lips of one of his least admirable creations: “[T]he more I love mankind in general, the less I love people in particular.” I pray that stare decisis will be applied to our “formal” motto.
When I left the campus in June 1971 after receiving my commission in the Navy, the University’s “informal motto” had plain meaning, and a special meaning to me. When that motto was “expanded” at my 25th, I was surprised, and somewhat bemused. But having learned that this motto has been changed yet again to incorporate the word “humanity,” I can’t help but recall the words that Dostoevsky put on the lips of one of his least admirable creations: “[T]he more I love mankind in general, the less I love people in particular.” I pray that stare decisis will be applied to our “formal” motto.