1905-06 Volume 30 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

THE SCROLL. 401mony with its life and the hearts of the readers will be moreclosely bound together.Sometimes we wonder how diverse or variable are the idealsof college men. A complex civilization like ours—even thebest of it—is probably animated by very different purposesand views of life. Conceptions of real manhood vary accordingto the ratio between character and dollars. How tomaintain a perfect balance between old-fashioned chivalryand gentility and the desire for gain is the weightiest problemin modern manhood development. We know of no questthat would be more interesting than to ascertain what particularstandards are uppermost in the minds of college students;how far these standards vary in different sections orin different kinds of institutions; and whether scholarship iscultivated by the great universities as a means of gettingwealth and power, or by the smaller institutions as an equipmentfor doing good in the world. We fear sometimes thatthe duty of developing strong, resourceful manhood for itsown sake is being obscured by the passion for material powerand luxury. The glory of self-attained achievement is becomingdimmed, the hardening power of enforced self-relianceis undervalued, the true and rugged virtues are coupledwith material and superficial matters in the formation of thenearly prevailing ideals. Although our best institutions doreally seek to exalt simple virtues and unerring aims, theirendeavor is poorly perceived in the multifarious distractionsabounding in and around them.The ideals of fraternity men ought not to be diverse. Theyunderlie broad and generous principles of character and conduct.They are set forth in written instruments so clearlythat any departure from them is disloyalty. The threefoldpurpose of a fraternity of the best type—mental, moral andsocial culture—is subserved only by keeping intrinsic manhoodhighest in estimation. A chapter that would scoff ator reject a young man of strong character and mentality just