Why Hampden-Sydney Works
by: Conor P. Sanders '11Editor, the Tiger:
Ted Kennedy got one thing right. He was able to work across the aisle with members of the opposite party in order to get major legislation passed. A polarizing figure in American politics, Kennedy championed liberal causes in order to fight for those who had no one to fight for them. Many of us, including myself, respect his drive and willingness to fight for what he believed was right. Though many, including myself, disagree with some of his beliefs, the late Senator from Massachusetts left his mark on our country.
Henry David Thoreau wrote the following: “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” Despite his personal failings, I am appreciative of the fact that Kennedy worked closely with Senators such as Orrin Hatch, John McCain, and others who often shared opposing views. To me, this was a “conscious endeavor” for others.
You are probably asking yourselves: What on earth does Ted Kennedy have to do with Hampden-Sydney College? What would a “conscious endeavor” on the part of each student at Hampden-Sydney College do? Well, it is the idea of bipartisanship and a respectful discourse that leads me to the point of this article today.
One of the strongest aspects of our college is the fact that regardless of where we stand or what we believe, there is a genuine respect for one another. It does not matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look or act like. We are all connected together by an indelible bond that we are Hampden-Sydney men, and that we must do our best to comport ourselves as honorable gentlemen. It is awesome that we are able to have a discussion about different ideas in respectful manner.
Recently, the freshman class participated in the Touchstones Discussions Project. For those who are not familiar with the program, it is basically a Socratic discussion regarding a particular text where questions are posed and reflected upon in a civil and genuine manner. It is a program that our new President, Dr. Howard, used at the University of Oklahoma, and one that he believes will help to raise the level of conversation amongst Hampden-Sydney students. I was extremely impressed listening to members of the freshmen class reflect on Plato’s Republic. The intellectual curiosity and sincerity of each question and comment is truly an encouraging sign for the future of our college.
As mentioned before, one of the greatest strengths of our College is the fact that we can have a conversation about ideas—liberal or conservative—radical or mainstream—but we can do it in a respectful manner. So often politics and many other ideas have become divisive, polarizing, and nothing ever gets done. It is time for our nation to realize that working together will allow for great things to come.
As we think of the quote from Thoreau think of all of the different things we, as students, can do in order to improve our lives and in turn, the life of the College. I am encouraged as to where we are, and what the future holds at Hampden-Sydney College. Think about a way to leave your mark at Hampden-Sydney College—the foundation and resources are here.
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