THOUGHT FOR TODAY:There comes a point when a man must refuse to answer to his leader if he is also to answer to his own conscience. -Hartley Shawcross, barrister, politician, and prosecutor at the Nuremberg War Crimes tribunal (1902-2003) As I read this thought this morning I was reminded of a BYU Devotional speech “But We Heeded Them Not” given by L. Aldin Porter on February 14, 1995.
Our Esperanza scholars (and educators!) not only need to learn to think critically but also to carefully choose heroes who deserve to be followed and emulated. Elder Porter mentioned that we cannot permit ourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides. Just because someone is talended in the arts or in athletics or in the professionas does not mean they should be permitted a place in our personal hall of fame. Elder Porter gives the following example:
Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof taught a marvelous principle. You'll recall he sang a song entitled "If I Were a Rich Man." He expressed the thought that he would like to be rich so people would come to him for advice. Then Tevye says, "It won't make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong. When you're rich, they think you really know." It is important to understand that everything said, written, sung, or insinuated by the wealthy or famous is not necessarily so.
Our Esperanza scholars (and educators!) not only need to learn to think critically but also to carefully choose heroes who deserve to be followed and emulated. Elder Porter mentioned that we cannot permit ourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides. Just because someone is talended in the arts or in athletics or in the professionas does not mean they should be permitted a place in our personal hall of fame. Elder Porter gives the following example:
Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof taught a marvelous principle. You'll recall he sang a song entitled "If I Were a Rich Man." He expressed the thought that he would like to be rich so people would come to him for advice. Then Tevye says, "It won't make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong. When you're rich, they think you really know." It is important to understand that everything said, written, sung, or insinuated by the wealthy or famous is not necessarily so.
We need to help our Esperanza scholars (and educators) critically examine who they admire and what qualities they admire in that person to make sure that only those deserving of their highest respect and emulation receive that honor In other words, we want them to choose carefully whom they will give their hearts and minds to.
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