Personal
from Herbert W. Armstrong
Is a man truly educated unless he knows WHAT he is? And unless he knows WHY he is, whether there is any purpose or meaning to life, and what that is? And unless he knows where he is going in the end? And unless he knows the true values from the false and the way to such desired conditions as peace, happiness, prosperity, and the enjoyable, pleasant, and interesting life?
Right now many high school seniors are facing the problem of whether to go on to college – and if so, which college.
If I were a young man or young woman facing that question, I’m very sure – knowing what I know now – that I would want to find out which college or university teaches these things. I’m sure I’d want to attend the school of higher learning which would teach me not merely how to earn a living – pardon me, I mean an existence – but the one which would teach me how to live!
Did you ever wonder why it is that nearly everybody wants to live a life that is pleasing, enjoyable, interesting – without boredom, aches, pains, suffering, or unpleasant environments or circumstances? Nearly everyone experiences a hunger for something that will really satisfy; yet, somehow, he never finds it except at brief intervals that never seem to last.
When this Work of God was only several years under way, in Oregon, and I was, most of the time, preaching in evangelistic campaigns about six nights a week, broadcasting every Sunday, editing and mimeographing The Plain Truth, and counseling with scores of people, I found the need of something relaxing – something to get my mind off these serious matters and this driving activity for a little while. Mrs. Armstrong and I found a total change, mentally, in attending occasional basketball games at the University of Oregon basketball pavilion, MacArthur Court. At that time the University of Oregon had a team of sophomores and one senior which looked like comers.
And sure enough, in their senior year these boys went on to win the first national championship – in late winter of 1939. That was the first year the NCAA had a national play-off leading to a national championship.
Even today I can find an occasional change of pace by attending a game. There I can see thousands being thrilled by scintillating play. Are these basketball fans enjoying life? If you ask them, at the moment, the answer might be “You bet!” Are they bored? Not during the excitement of the game! Do they feel a sort of mental, emotional, or spiritual hunger? Not during the thrill of the game.
But after the game – then what? Why, after the game is over and the fans have gone home, do they experience a letdown – until the next game, or the next experience of some pleasure?
I got to wondering. After the game, I don’t experience any letdown. I don’t have to suffer the experience of emptiness, boredom, or this sort of soul hunger – whatever it is – until the next exciting entertainment. As a matter of fact, I find my life interesting, invigorating, stimulating, satisfying, and abundant at all times! It is tremendously exciting at times; it is never boring, never dull, never discontented!
Why? What’s the difference?
I know what the difference is.
The answer is bound up in the questions I asked at the beginning of this Personal talk with my readers.
I have learned what man is!
I have learned that man was put on this earth for a purpose, and I have learned what that purpose is! I have learned how to fulfill it. I have learned what the true values are, and what are the false. And I have learned the secret of a full, abundant, interesting, enjoyable life! Not merely during a basketball game or some occasional entertainment! All the time!
I have learned the way to peace of mind, to invigorating, satisfying, always interesting living. I have learned why I am here, where I am going, and the way to get there. I’m on my way there now, and the journey is more interesting than I can tell you! There’s never a letdown. There used to be – years ago – before I learned these answers. But not anymore!
Yes, if I were a young man graduating from high school, I’d look for the college or university that would teach me what I am, why, and what the true values are. I’d want to learn something more than merely a profession for earning an income.
But I am no longer a lad of eighteen. And I not only know these answers, but I know also that there is only one place on earth where a student may learn these answers that are worth more than all the money in the world. But, for that matter, when you learn these answers and apply them, you don’t have to worry about money – for the very application of these principles brings economic security.
The only college or university on earth that teaches these most important areas of knowledge is Ambassador College at Pasadena, California.
People remark that they never have seen such a happy atmosphere as the Ambassador College campus.
“Why, all your students seem to really enjoy life,” they say. “They seem alive, alert, full of spark and interest – and happy!”
“You’re right,” I reply. “They do – and they are!”
When I started writing the first paragraph of this Personal talk, what I had in mind was to tell you what man is. I intended to show you that science doesn’t really know. What we call education in the usual sense, as disseminated at colleges and universities, doesn’t know.
Space does not now allow me to get into this discussion of what man is, so I’m afraid I cannot get that explanation into this present talk. It would take ten to twenty typed pages to explain it, anyway. So it probably would be better to write it as a full article later on.
The true answer, I think, is not only thrilling and exciting, but it is also important!
By the way, if you are facing this question about whether to attend college – or which college – I suggest you write to the Ambassador College Admissions Office, 300 West Green Street, Pasadena, California 91123.
