10 Bits of Wisdom
Compiled by Victoria Barry
Over your lifetime I’m sure you’ve heard lots of advice from lots of different people. Though much of it may be unremembered or unheeded, some advice sticks with us all of our lives. Here are some words of wisdom that Hillsdale faculty, staff, students, and alumni cherish.
* * *
“Never put off until retirement those things you love to do. There is no guarantee of tomorrow, let alone years to come.”
– Linda Moore, Hillsdale College Librarian
“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure”.
– Chief Rogers, Associate Dean of Men
“Dr. Whalen, our Provost, quoted this to help me in discerning my vocation. It is from Robert Frost: “Only where love and need are one, / And the work is play for mortal stakes / Is the deed ever truly done / For Heaven and the future’s sakes.” Also, from a priest on choosing my spouse: “If you think he’s the right one, then pounce.””
– Mary Catherine Meyer, Senior
“In writing, write like a reader, and read like a writer. In family life, when mom is happy, everyone is happy—so make mom happy! And in life,“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge him, and he will direct your path” (Prov. 3:5 & 6).
– Dr. Coupland, Associate Professor of Education
“They stop writing letter grades on your work after you finish school, but the humility to recognize your own need for growth and the ambition to create something artful and with unique insight are valuable qualities that stick with you long after graduation.
– Michael Kreuz, ’14
“During a mock interview, a man from State Farm told me I need to find a job that makes me light up when I talk about it.”
– Sarah Kreuz, ’16
“Dr. Jackson told us to read charitably. This seems to apply not only to reading texts carefully but also to interacting with people in a fundamentally humble and loving way: we should read the world charitably.”
– Greg Barry, ’13
“As you contemplate a career, don’t just think “big picture.” Think about how you want to spend your hours and your minutes from day to day: the habits of thought you’ll cultivate, the mundane tasks that will occupy much of your time. The type of work that appeals to you in this very basic, particular, everyday sense is likely to satisfy in larger ways as well.”
– Dr. Eadie, Associate Professor of English
“Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”
– Stephanie Kreuz, ’12
“This idea from Blaise Pascal changed everything for me: ‘If we are constantly dwelling on the past or preparing for the future, how can we be sure that we are ever truly alive?’”
– Mrs. Wales, Hillsdale Academy Teacher
Victoria Barry is a senior English major and classical education minor. She is an active member of Catholic Society, the president of the A.A. Milne Club, and a volunteer at Mary Randall preschool. In addition to reading and writing, Victoria enjoys baking, singing, and taking long outdoor walks. She plans on teaching elementary school after graduation this spring.