THE HOBARTIAN
The Value of Books to Civilization
Reading good books is an occupation of inestimable value to civilization. Literature paves the way to better thinking and valuable expression.
Poetry instigates an appreciation of beauty, as the poet chooses the most awe-inspiring characteristics from his subjects. In "To a Mouse", by Robert Burns, we are shown that even the smallest beast deserves sympathy. Milton's two poems, "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso", reveal to us the best qualities of both mirth and melancholy. Poetry seems to make everything which is about us human.
Following poetry comes the drama. Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers of plays, has written the best collection of drama in the history of literature. Such dramas as "Macbeth" teach us to be honest, as we see the results of evil doing. In social circles when lines from Shakespeare are quoted, we can discuss Shakespeare's philosophy without guessing, if we have read his plays.
Fiction, especially the novel, is very entertaining to read. Since the plot in so many novels is based on historical facts, we are able to obtain a clearer picture of many historical situations from the novel than from the history book. Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities", gives us a vivid picture of the causes and the actual fighting of the French Revolution.
Although encyclopedias are not generally considered literature, they are practically essential in the modern home because of the value for reference. Almost anything which the average person wishes to know is defined in a good encyclopedia. Copies of famous paintings and many other items of interest are protrayed in these valuable books.
Biographies written about such men as Lincoln are beneficial, as they make us acquainted with the characteristics which made him a great man.
Through reading we are able to obtain a larger vocabulary because while reading we easily learn the meanings of many words which formerly puzzled us.
Let us all read more books to gain more knowledge and to increase our ability in verbal expression because "a man cannot speak but that he judges himself."
Marion Townsend
Our School
Time went so slowly! It seemd as though the first day of school would never come, and just to think that we would be starting in the first grade with other children the same age!
At last the great day came. It meant starting out in life and meeting other people. The days were then not long enough to put our minds all
Thirty-six
1933•36
THE HOBARTIAN
the things school held in store for us. Everything was not all joy. Often we would just get acquainted with someone when he would move. At other times the lessons would seem too hard to do, but the teachers were always more than friends. They were thoughtful and understanding. The years in the grades went swiftly. During those eight short years the school not only helped to improve our minds, but also gave us a chance to adapt ourselves to others. During those years at school we had a character to build.
High school brings a more advanced type of education. It was thought a few years ago that high school was not needed to complete a person's education, but now there are only a few who do not graduate from secondary school.
The school offers many outside activities such as baseball, basketball, football and other athletic sports. Club work such as is found in the 4-H Club and the Glee Club, gives pupils a chance to become more closely associated outside the classroom. Athletic contests keep pupils in touch with other schools.
Maintaining school spirit, that something inside us which prompts us to sacrifice for the glory of our school, is the duty of every pupil. School spirit is important not only in athletics, but also in all other activities carried on in the school.
We owe everything we are to our school. Without an education we would be ignorant. We would not be able to read, write or even think for ourselves. We would grow up with a child's mind.
Isabelle Pogue
Mothers
The second Sunday in May is observed as Mother's Day. This is the day when we honor our mothers and pay tribute to them. I wonder if we really realize the value of our mothers. They scrub, cook, and sew for our benefit. When we have troubles, and go to our mother with them, she will try to help us. After we are grown up and away from home, our mother is still willing that we go to her with our troubles. She shields us and tries to guide us along the right road of life. No matter what sort of life we live, our mother's love is always there to comfort us. What is home and happiness without a mother to help make it?
Dorothy More.
Thirty-seven
1933•37
The 1933 Almedian - South Kortright Central School Yearbooks - SKCS 1933 Almedian
