Washington and Lee’s presentation of history violates the goal of a liberal arts education.
Washington and Lee University’s Coat of Arms is adorned with the timeless motto: “Non Incautus Futuri; Not Unmindful of the Future.” An admirable goal, this phrase beckons W&L, from its students to administration, to look to the times ahead in all actions, plans, and decisions.
But there is a more critical verse for a liberal arts education found at the top corner of the Coat of Arms, or crest. Rooted in Paul’s Epistles, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Omnia Autem Probate” is most often translated as “Test All Things.”
Other translations, including “prove all things” and “examine all things,” universally signal the same exhortation: do not take assertions for granted. Thinking “freely” requires one not to be easily swayed by all they hear, but to, as the university's Mission Statement suggests, “critically” analyze new information.
Washington and Lee’s presentation of history violates the goal of a liberal arts education.
Washington and Lee University’s Coat of Arms is adorned with the timeless motto: “Non Incautus Futuri; Not Unmindful of the Future.” An admirable goal, this phrase beckons W&L, from its students to administration, to look to the times ahead in all actions, plans, and decisions.
But there is a more critical verse for a liberal arts education found at the top corner of the Coat of Arms, or crest. Rooted in Paul’s Epistles, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Omnia Autem Probate” is most often translated as “Test All Things.”
Other translations, including “prove all things” and “examine all things,” universally signal the same exhortation: do not take assertions for granted. Thinking “freely” requires one not to be easily swayed by all they hear, but to, as the university's Mission Statement suggests, “critically” analyze new information.