The Honor Code calls us to be diligent…but not just diligent generally; we are to be diligent in study.  But why study?  Why not diligent in effort?  Or diligent in virtue?  Or diligent in action? 

Well, those are certainly good things too—but diligence in study is uniquely important, not just because this is a school, but because your studies are how you know things; and knowing things is essential to freedom—for yourself and for your fellow citizens.

James Madison said, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”

One of the least free nations in the world, North Korea, dedicates vast resources to keeping its citizens ignorant, so that those in power can control them.  The government limits what information people can see on the internet; controls what people can say on their phones to one another and keeps them from calling outside the country at all; and no foreign books are allowed to be read.  As a result, the people just believe whatever the government tells them…because they don’t know any better.

So, if you ever get tired of hearing that you need to be diligent in your studies, just remember: You’re not merely guarding yourself from ignorance—by taking care to make sure you have knowledge, you are helping to defend the liberty of our entire nation. 

Now, for the Friday Funnies:

A climber fell off a cliff, and, as he tumbled down, he caught hold of a small branch. “Help! Is there anybody up there?” he shouted.

A majestic voice boomed through the gorge:

“I will help you, my son, but first you must have faith in me.”

“Yes, yes, I trust you!”, cried the man.

“Let go of the branch”, boomed the voice.

There was a long pause, and the man shouted up again, “Is there anybody else up there?”

Have a wonderful weekend.