Princeton’s Motto

Substituting the word “humanity” for the word “nation” in Princeton’s informal motto is to me and perhaps many other alumni an extremely curious recommendation. What is wrong with being in the Nation’s Service? What is so noble about being in service to other nations? Which other nations should Princeton alumni serve? Should Tigers avoid or limit their service to the USA?

I believe that the many brave Princeton alumni who signed the Declaration of Independence would have preferred the prior Princeton motto.

Editor’s note: PAW’s May 13, 2020, cover featured the words “In the Service of Humanity” as a tribute to alumni working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The motto inscribed in front of Nassau Hall reads, “In the nation’s service and the service of humanity.”