Apparently without asking the School Board (Why bother?) The Architect of the new East High School has plans to carve a boring old quote from the Greek philosopher Diogenes for students to gaze upon as they enter the building: “the foundation of every state is the education of their youth.”
Dr. Dixon is now requesting a variance from the City for exceeding the size of permitted “signs” at the new East HS. The words would be bannered across the west wall of the school facing the setting Sun, and the bus turn-around between the student entrances. This issue will be appealed and voted on Wed. March 23, 10 AM
It strikes me that this is the sort of thing the community or at least the students at the school ought to vote on and choose for themselves. At the very least the School Board should pass judgement on this selection. I actually think that using a quote from a 4th Century BC Athenian would be a good idea. Athens was the “cradle of democracy” after all and the Founding Fathers were so taken with the idea of our being the new Athens that our first popular national architectural style began in the nations new Capitol and was called “Greek Revival.” Why not have something heralding our democracy? Afterall there are a great many “states”, totalitarian and other wise, that could use this particular quote without any thought.
Oh, but such a quote might embarrass the School Board that denied the community a chance to vote on this great extravagance.
Its hard not to disagree with Diogenes but this sure is a godawful boring quote. Diogenes was something of a trouble maker and could do better than this. He once took a bath in the middle of Athens to make some point I don’t recall and lack the time to do a google search on. On another occasion he walked through town blindfolded holding a lantern and repeatedly telling those who asked what the heck he was doing that he was “looking for an honest man.”
Under the circumstances I think that might be a better quote from the old boy to impart to future generations. Seeking truth is the highest ideal of a good education. I think his use of a gender specific individual could be forgiven after 24 centuries. Our students would be smart enough to know that it applies to both sexes.
