The Athenaeum. (Atlanta, GA) 1898-1925, January 01, 1925, Image 10
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THE ATHENAEUM
EDITORIAL:
OUTSIDE OPINION
UNDER ordinary circumstances it is our policy to pass unnoticed
U any isolated cases of derogartory remarks concerning one or a
group of our students. Not because we believe the remark justly or
unjustly occasioned, for the merits or demerits of the individual in
stances have not seemingly warranted investigation; but we> ha e
kept silent because we felt that they were possibly he result of
preconceived notions, and preconceived opinions are likely to be more
immutable than the pillars of Hercules- In general At antians have
been found to have a fairly high regard for Morehouse students. But
day after day, in home after home, there has been a favorable expres
sion of esteem with a reservation somewhat on this wise: You know,
I think well of Morehouse students; there’s something about them 1
admire; but don’t you think that some of your fellows like to lord
it over’ a bit too much? v . A ^
These lines are aimed neither at the group of students who nave
been likely to offend in this manner, for the less thoughtful student,
buoyed up with the knowledge of the College’s glorious career in
athletics, might easily be tempted to boast overmuch; nor towards
the intelligent Atlantian who has honestly expressed his opinion
about a propensity that is certainly intolerable in cultivated circles.
But it ts our hope that we may make some worthwhile suggestions
to the fellow with an exalted opinion of himself or his college, and
that we may at the same time clarify for interested parties the basis
of the aforementioned propensity.
It is a fact that some of our fellows are prone to boast too mucn.
It is bad taste to say the least to try to impress upon your city friends
your belief that you have the best football team, the best baseball
team, the best basketball team, the best College Publication, or the
best debaters; although it may be possible that we have made an en
viable record along one or two of these lines. An arrogant boaster is
certainly deserving of the most scathing criticism, and we deprecate
the fact that we have fellows of this type among us. It would be for
to ore commendable to voice your admiration for the excellent qualities
of your worthy and friendly rivals; and you can depend on it—your
meritorious feats will not go unsung- To say that the vainglorious
form a small minority and come chiefly from the ranks of the less
thoughtful is by no means an attempt to justify the presence here
of any of their ilk.
But let us go a bit further into the somwhat more general feel
ing that we can and ought to win. Overconfidence is without doubt
an undesirable trait. But a reasonable amount of confidence is