Edward Everett's Advants: A Theoretical Analysis

Keeping VERITAS is important because it allows a universal motto. No matter what background a person comes from, or what they believe- we all can agree upon a motto meaning truth. A universal belief and accepted moral. Everyone can see value in. Truth and honesty is valuable in all aspects of life. VERITAS makes Harvard inviting and accepting for all. “Without truth Harvard would fail to be Harvard” (Wiegand). Harvard is built upon veritas, even before truth was established as it’s motto. Abandoning this virtue, would take away meaning. VERITAS also encourages questioning and continued learning. In order to find truth, sometimes it will require great searching to find answers. Questioning and pushing limits, has a way of uniting the university

Everett is known as, “a once celebrated orator, educator, scholar, and statesman had never been a man of “first rank in his own generation. Endowed with many extraordinary gifts he still appears as a man manuque, one who never succeeded in the field he entered” (Bartlett 1). A man with his experience and knowledge at the time, made Everett seem as the best man to fill the role of president. Edward Everett was born and raised in Massachusetts, and attended many of the finest schools. Whichever school, he studied at, he was recognized for his outstanding excellence as a young scholar. At the young age of thirteen, he attended Harvard College. He stood out as a student not only by his young age, but also because of his dedication to his studies. In 1811 he graduated as the valedictorian of his class. Everett quickly began his profession after graduation. Quickly being ordained and placed as the head

Everett himself, referring to his prior career as a mistake. Everett stating, “Nothing but blind indiscretion of youth” (Everett). Harvard extended an offer to him, which he quickly accepted; allowing him to further his studies overseas. Many students admiring him for this knowledge and experience. One famous student, that awaited his return was, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Often Emerson referred to Everett as, “The Idol” (Bartlett 432). Everett continued to be a role model and for his work, he seemed as if he was the perfect fit for the Harvard Presidency in 1846. Everett however, was not very excited to accept the position, despite the honorable appointment. He simply saw the presidency as a stepping stone. Everett accepted the position and served as Harvard’s president for three years. Everett’s short run as president is often credited toward his lack of focus on Harvard and the tasks that accompany that position. Some even argue that he received the position only because of his, “fortunate lineage, extraordinary intellectual gifts, and strong, eminently American, character” (Reid