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| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Chapter I - Part 1 |
| Convocation of Haile Selassie I University Dec. 19, 1961 |
| Higher Education |
| ... Leadership developed here should be guided by the fundamental values and moral power which have for centuries constituted the essence of our religious teachings.....Discipline of the mind is a basic ingredient of genuine morality and therefore of spiritual strength. Indeed, a university, taken in all aspects, is essentially a spiritual enterprise which, along with the knowledge and training it imparts, leads students into more wise living and a greater sensitivity to life's responsibilities.... |
| Selected Speeches |
This is a most historic occasion for Us, and for the entire Ethiopian
people. Today, the first convocation of this University, affords Us Our
first opportunity, as Chancellor, to address the Governors, the Faculty,
and the students as a single group.
We welcome and greet you all on this occasion. You who have in the
past, either as teachers or students, been united in spirit although members
of diverse educational institutions, are now truly united in this University.
We welcome the members of the Board of Governors, who will direct the
policy of the University. We welcome the adminstrators, who will provide
the framework within which teacher and student alike will work. We
welcome you, the professors, the instuctors, the lecturers, to whom has
been confided the task of leading our youth to higher levels of knowledge
and learning. We welcome the students, our own and those from other
lands, who will study here and from among whoom will come future
leaders.
We may pause briefly now to enquire why this University is being
established, what goals it is seeking to achieve, what results we may
expect of it and what contributions it can reasonably be expected to make.
A fundamental objective of the University must be the safeguarding and
the developing of the culture of the people which it serves. This
University is a product of that culture: it is the grouping together of those
capable of understanding and using the accumulated heritage of the
Ethiopian peopl. In this University men and women will, working in
association with one another, study the well-springs of our culture, trace
its development, and mould its future. That which enables Us today to
open a university of such a standard is the wealth of literature and learning
now extinct elsewhere in the world which through hard work and
perserverance our forefathers have preserved for us. On this occasion
We would like to remember with gratitude these fathers of great learning
among whom We quote a few names such as Yared, Abba Giorgis of
Gasicha, Absadi of Insaro, Wolde-Ab Wolde Mikael, Arat Ayina Goshu,
Memihir Akala Wold and Aleka Gabra Medihin.
Music, drama and other forms of art are rooted in the ancient history of
our Empire, and their development to an even higher peak of perfection
will be possible in the atmosphere of a university. Ethiopia is possessed of
an ancient Literature, and its study can be fostered here so that the
Ethiopian youth, inspired by this national example, may raise it to yet
higher levels of excellence. The study of the heroic history of Our Empire
will stimulate the imagination of budding authors and teachers. The
understanding of that philosophy of life which is the basis of ur traditional
customs will lead us all to a better understanding of our nation and of our
nation's expression through the arts.
people. Today, the first convocation of this University, affords Us Our
first opportunity, as Chancellor, to address the Governors, the Faculty,
and the students as a single group.
We welcome and greet you all on this occasion. You who have in the
past, either as teachers or students, been united in spirit although members
of diverse educational institutions, are now truly united in this University.
We welcome the members of the Board of Governors, who will direct the
policy of the University. We welcome the adminstrators, who will provide
the framework within which teacher and student alike will work. We
welcome you, the professors, the instuctors, the lecturers, to whom has
been confided the task of leading our youth to higher levels of knowledge
and learning. We welcome the students, our own and those from other
lands, who will study here and from among whoom will come future
leaders.
We may pause briefly now to enquire why this University is being
established, what goals it is seeking to achieve, what results we may
expect of it and what contributions it can reasonably be expected to make.
A fundamental objective of the University must be the safeguarding and
the developing of the culture of the people which it serves. This
University is a product of that culture: it is the grouping together of those
capable of understanding and using the accumulated heritage of the
Ethiopian peopl. In this University men and women will, working in
association with one another, study the well-springs of our culture, trace
its development, and mould its future. That which enables Us today to
open a university of such a standard is the wealth of literature and learning
now extinct elsewhere in the world which through hard work and
perserverance our forefathers have preserved for us. On this occasion
We would like to remember with gratitude these fathers of great learning
among whom We quote a few names such as Yared, Abba Giorgis of
Gasicha, Absadi of Insaro, Wolde-Ab Wolde Mikael, Arat Ayina Goshu,
Memihir Akala Wold and Aleka Gabra Medihin.
Music, drama and other forms of art are rooted in the ancient history of
our Empire, and their development to an even higher peak of perfection
will be possible in the atmosphere of a university. Ethiopia is possessed of
an ancient Literature, and its study can be fostered here so that the
Ethiopian youth, inspired by this national example, may raise it to yet
higher levels of excellence. The study of the heroic history of Our Empire
will stimulate the imagination of budding authors and teachers. The
understanding of that philosophy of life which is the basis of ur traditional
customs will lead us all to a better understanding of our nation and of our
nation's expression through the arts.
| Spiritual Qualities No Longer Enough |
The immediate and practical aim of this institution obviously is to educate
the Ethiopian youth and to prepare them to serve their country. Although
such education may be technical, it must nonetheless be founded on
Ethiopia's cultural heritage if it is to bear fruit and if the student is to be
well adapted to his environment and the effective use of his skills
facilitated.
Time was when strenght and endurance, courage and faith, were
sufficient to make leadership equal to the task. But times have changed
and these spiritual qualities are no longer enough. Today, knowledge and
training, as provided largely in the universities of the world, have become
essential, and today leadership and advancement, both national and
international, rely heavily upon the products of universities. Even as Mr.
Tubman, Mr. U-Nu, Madame Bandaranaika and Mr. U Thant were each
educated in their own land, We trust that this University will produce
leaders of comparable stature. In all countries of the modern world,
special competence is required to deal with the advancement of
agriculture, industry, commerce, and the civil service. That competence
can be secured only through facilities which are provided in modern
universities. We have often pointed out that the future of Ethiopia is
largely conditioned upon accelerated agricultural development, upon
mineral exploitation and upon industrial expansion. Her survival depends
on these, but they, in turn, depend upon the competence of those who
have received and who will receive the essential education and training. It
is Our confident hope that this institution, which has been planned for
many years will provide here, in our own land, for our own youth, the
higher education and the specialized training required for such
development.
That which man dreams of and to which he aspires, unless fulfilled in his
own lifetime, can produce no actual satisfaction to him. As for Us, thanks
be unto God that in the founding of this University We have realized a
lifelong aspiration.
the Ethiopian youth and to prepare them to serve their country. Although
such education may be technical, it must nonetheless be founded on
Ethiopia's cultural heritage if it is to bear fruit and if the student is to be
well adapted to his environment and the effective use of his skills
facilitated.
Time was when strenght and endurance, courage and faith, were
sufficient to make leadership equal to the task. But times have changed
and these spiritual qualities are no longer enough. Today, knowledge and
training, as provided largely in the universities of the world, have become
essential, and today leadership and advancement, both national and
international, rely heavily upon the products of universities. Even as Mr.
Tubman, Mr. U-Nu, Madame Bandaranaika and Mr. U Thant were each
educated in their own land, We trust that this University will produce
leaders of comparable stature. In all countries of the modern world,
special competence is required to deal with the advancement of
agriculture, industry, commerce, and the civil service. That competence
can be secured only through facilities which are provided in modern
universities. We have often pointed out that the future of Ethiopia is
largely conditioned upon accelerated agricultural development, upon
mineral exploitation and upon industrial expansion. Her survival depends
on these, but they, in turn, depend upon the competence of those who
have received and who will receive the essential education and training. It
is Our confident hope that this institution, which has been planned for
many years will provide here, in our own land, for our own youth, the
higher education and the specialized training required for such
development.
That which man dreams of and to which he aspires, unless fulfilled in his
own lifetime, can produce no actual satisfaction to him. As for Us, thanks
be unto God that in the founding of this University We have realized a
lifelong aspiration.
| Haile Selassie the First - December 19, 1961 |
| Fundamental Values and Moral Power |
Considering the role of universities in a broader sense, We are persuaded
that these institutions stand today as the most promising hope for
constructive solutions to the problems that beset the modern world --
problems which prevent the peaceful co-operation of nations, problems
which threaten the world and humanity with death and disaster. From the
universities must come men, ideas, knowledge, experience, technical
skills, and the deep humane understanding vital to fruitful relations among
nations. Without these, world order, for which We have so long strived,
cannot be established. From the universities, too, must come that ability
which is the most valuable attribute of civilized men everywhere: the
ability to transcend narrow passions and to engage in honest conversation;
for civilization is by nature "the victory of persuasion over force." Unity is
strength. No nation can divide within itself and remain powerful. It is this
strong conviction that underlies the decision to plan for the well-organized
and co-ordinated system of education, training, and research which a
university represents. A university is the fountain of learning: seek
knowledge, and there you shall find it.
Nor can we ignore the importance of the spiritual in this academic life.
Learning and technical training must be nurtured by faith in God,
reverence for the human soul, and respect for the reasoning mind. There
is no safer anchorage for our learning, our lives, and our public actions
than that provided by Divine teachings coupled with the best in human
understanding. Leadership developed here should be guided by the
fundamental values and the moral power which have for centuries
constituted the essence of our religious teachings. These are crucial times
when nations rise against nations. Tensions increase, and disaster is
possible at any moment. Distances are shrinking; peace and life are
threatened by misunderstanding and conflict. Now is the time when the
sincere belief in man's kinship to God must be the foundation for all of
man's efforts for enlightenment and learning -- the basis for all
understanding, co-operation and peace. We charge all of you, the
members of this University, that these special values remain foremost, as a
foundation for your knowledge and thought, so that the fundamental moral
truths will buttress and support the whole structure of university life.
Discipline of the mind is a basic ingredient of genuine morality and
therefore spiritual strength. Indeed, a university, taken in all its aspects, is
essentially a spiritual enterprise which, along with the knowledge and
training it imparts, leads students into more wise living and a greater
sensitivity to life's responsibilities. Up to the present, technical training has
been achieved through the College of Engineering and in the Ethio-Swedish
Building College. These institutions, We trust, which are now merged inot
the University, will be expanded and developed so that the number of
competent Ethiopian technicians will continue to increase.
that these institutions stand today as the most promising hope for
constructive solutions to the problems that beset the modern world --
problems which prevent the peaceful co-operation of nations, problems
which threaten the world and humanity with death and disaster. From the
universities must come men, ideas, knowledge, experience, technical
skills, and the deep humane understanding vital to fruitful relations among
nations. Without these, world order, for which We have so long strived,
cannot be established. From the universities, too, must come that ability
which is the most valuable attribute of civilized men everywhere: the
ability to transcend narrow passions and to engage in honest conversation;
for civilization is by nature "the victory of persuasion over force." Unity is
strength. No nation can divide within itself and remain powerful. It is this
strong conviction that underlies the decision to plan for the well-organized
and co-ordinated system of education, training, and research which a
university represents. A university is the fountain of learning: seek
knowledge, and there you shall find it.
Nor can we ignore the importance of the spiritual in this academic life.
Learning and technical training must be nurtured by faith in God,
reverence for the human soul, and respect for the reasoning mind. There
is no safer anchorage for our learning, our lives, and our public actions
than that provided by Divine teachings coupled with the best in human
understanding. Leadership developed here should be guided by the
fundamental values and the moral power which have for centuries
constituted the essence of our religious teachings. These are crucial times
when nations rise against nations. Tensions increase, and disaster is
possible at any moment. Distances are shrinking; peace and life are
threatened by misunderstanding and conflict. Now is the time when the
sincere belief in man's kinship to God must be the foundation for all of
man's efforts for enlightenment and learning -- the basis for all
understanding, co-operation and peace. We charge all of you, the
members of this University, that these special values remain foremost, as a
foundation for your knowledge and thought, so that the fundamental moral
truths will buttress and support the whole structure of university life.
Discipline of the mind is a basic ingredient of genuine morality and
therefore spiritual strength. Indeed, a university, taken in all its aspects, is
essentially a spiritual enterprise which, along with the knowledge and
training it imparts, leads students into more wise living and a greater
sensitivity to life's responsibilities. Up to the present, technical training has
been achieved through the College of Engineering and in the Ethio-Swedish
Building College. These institutions, We trust, which are now merged inot
the University, will be expanded and developed so that the number of
competent Ethiopian technicians will continue to increase.
| Education: An Investment |
Education is costly, and higher education is the most costly of all. But it is
also an investment, a very profitable investment, and the money spent in
coordinating, strengthening, and expanding higher education in Ethiopia is
well invested. We are proud of Our people's recognition of the value of
education. Their concerted effort in the building of schools and other
social activities is most gratifying. Educational institutions, unlike business
enterprises, do not exist and operate for profits in dollars and cents. They
exist to perform public services, and they are judged by the effectiveness
and economy with which they perform these services.
To the Board of Governors, to the administrators, We recommend
economy, so that the benefits of the University can be enjoyed by as many
of our young men and women as possible. Not a dollar should be wasted
of the money so hardly earned and so generously contributed by our own
Government and by the Governments of other nations. Plan thoughtfully,
supervise closely, and manage economically, to the end that the greatest
possible return may be realized in the preparation of competent manpower,
in useful research and in training both technical and moral leadership. An
immediate gain of the consolidation and coordination, the centralization of
resources and operations, should be a saving in costs, and We urge all to
co-operate fully in the attempt to realize this objective. Diligence is
demanded in developing this University as rapidly as possible to meet the
compelling needs of Our Empire.
We would ask that extraordinary emphasis be placed on the training of
teachers for our primary and secondary schools. The educational process
cannot be a narrow column; it must be in the shape of a pyramid and
broadly based. To provide this broad base, large numbers of teachers are
required, and we have a duty to provide Ethiopian teachers for these
schools. This is why We have established teacher training centres in
Harar and other places.
also an investment, a very profitable investment, and the money spent in
coordinating, strengthening, and expanding higher education in Ethiopia is
well invested. We are proud of Our people's recognition of the value of
education. Their concerted effort in the building of schools and other
social activities is most gratifying. Educational institutions, unlike business
enterprises, do not exist and operate for profits in dollars and cents. They
exist to perform public services, and they are judged by the effectiveness
and economy with which they perform these services.
To the Board of Governors, to the administrators, We recommend
economy, so that the benefits of the University can be enjoyed by as many
of our young men and women as possible. Not a dollar should be wasted
of the money so hardly earned and so generously contributed by our own
Government and by the Governments of other nations. Plan thoughtfully,
supervise closely, and manage economically, to the end that the greatest
possible return may be realized in the preparation of competent manpower,
in useful research and in training both technical and moral leadership. An
immediate gain of the consolidation and coordination, the centralization of
resources and operations, should be a saving in costs, and We urge all to
co-operate fully in the attempt to realize this objective. Diligence is
demanded in developing this University as rapidly as possible to meet the
compelling needs of Our Empire.
We would ask that extraordinary emphasis be placed on the training of
teachers for our primary and secondary schools. The educational process
cannot be a narrow column; it must be in the shape of a pyramid and
broadly based. To provide this broad base, large numbers of teachers are
required, and we have a duty to provide Ethiopian teachers for these
schools. This is why We have established teacher training centres in
Harar and other places.
| Need For Various Disciplines |
The study of the humanities must not be neglected, and the College of Arts
and Sciences must be strengthened and encouraged to develop its studies.
These are the subjects which contribute most to the understanding and
growth of our cultural heritage, and so assist in fulfilling one of the
University's primary aims. These studies, which are concerned with
human cultural achievements, human rights, and duties, human freedoms,
will enable youth to develop the understanding and judgment necessary to
the formulation of a sound philosophy of life, to the making of wise
choices, and to understanding what is involved in these choices. These
young people face a world beset with the most effectively organized
programme of deceptive propaganda and of thinly screened operations
ever known; they deserve the best that can be taught by their parents, by
religious institutions and by the University, to prepare them for a wise
choice among contending ideals.
We would ask for the immediate founding of a graduate Faculty of Law,
where our own graduates may be trained to enter the legal profession.
Our Empire has need, in its government, its commerce, for well-educated
lawyers, and particularly for those who have been trained in their own
university, in their own codes and customs. We would also ask for the
organization of a Faculty of Medicine in the near future. The training of
doctors is a long and arduous process, and this very fact makes it all the
more urgent that our own faculty be inaugurated as soon as possible.
While laying great stress on education for our younger citizens, we should
not forget the obligation and the opportunity which the University will have
with respect to the older citizens. As We study the plans and projects of
this University, We realize that much attention is being given to the
extension of its usefulness to the entire population, in the form of
extension courses and lectures. This is according to Our wish, Haile
Selassie I University should attempt, either at this main site or at a branch,
to serve every qualified citizen who wishes and is able to avail himself of
the resources of the University if he is willing to do the required work.
and Sciences must be strengthened and encouraged to develop its studies.
These are the subjects which contribute most to the understanding and
growth of our cultural heritage, and so assist in fulfilling one of the
University's primary aims. These studies, which are concerned with
human cultural achievements, human rights, and duties, human freedoms,
will enable youth to develop the understanding and judgment necessary to
the formulation of a sound philosophy of life, to the making of wise
choices, and to understanding what is involved in these choices. These
young people face a world beset with the most effectively organized
programme of deceptive propaganda and of thinly screened operations
ever known; they deserve the best that can be taught by their parents, by
religious institutions and by the University, to prepare them for a wise
choice among contending ideals.
We would ask for the immediate founding of a graduate Faculty of Law,
where our own graduates may be trained to enter the legal profession.
Our Empire has need, in its government, its commerce, for well-educated
lawyers, and particularly for those who have been trained in their own
university, in their own codes and customs. We would also ask for the
organization of a Faculty of Medicine in the near future. The training of
doctors is a long and arduous process, and this very fact makes it all the
more urgent that our own faculty be inaugurated as soon as possible.
While laying great stress on education for our younger citizens, we should
not forget the obligation and the opportunity which the University will have
with respect to the older citizens. As We study the plans and projects of
this University, We realize that much attention is being given to the
extension of its usefulness to the entire population, in the form of
extension courses and lectures. This is according to Our wish, Haile
Selassie I University should attempt, either at this main site or at a branch,
to serve every qualified citizen who wishes and is able to avail himself of
the resources of the University if he is willing to do the required work.
| Highest Calling |
We do not suggest that the list of needs which We have mentioned is
complete, but they represent needs to which this University is seeking to
respond. The heaviest responsibility will, naturally, fall on the faculty.
Theirs is the job of training the minds and hands of the youth of Ethiopia
in the knowledge and in the special skills. We may all be proud of the
Ethiopian members of the faculty who have adopted this highest of
callings and who have in the past and will continue in the future to render
great service to their nation. The teachers who, in the past, coming from
many different countries, have discharged the duty of educating Ethiopia's
young men and women have earned Our appreciation and gratitude and the
appreciation and gratitude of all of us. Their example should spur on those
who staff the faculty of the University to pursue their tasks with diligence
and to spare no effort to ensure that their teaching inspires those who
study in their classrooms.
We sincerely thank Dr. Lucien Matte who assisted Us for many years with
loyalty, devotion and diligence in Our efforts for the progress of education
in Our country and in the establishment of the University College of Addis
Ababa which is one of the affiliated institutions of the Haile Selassie I
University.
Also We wish to remember the late Mr. A. Besse who was one of those
who have generously contributed towards the establishment of this
University.
All of you must maintain the highest standards in your instruction in order
that the overall standard of this University may be second to none. Work
together in harmony, as a team, in raising this institution to the highest
academic levels. Each of you must do his part to contribute to the
advancement of knowledge. You must above all be scholarly, for it is by
deeds rather than by words that you can most effectively inspire your
students to heed your words. Each of you should consider it his duty to
pursue research in your own field of study, for you will thereby bring
renown both upon yourselves and upon the institution.
On many occasions during recent years, We have had the opportunity to
speak to our students. We trust that Our love and consideration for them
and the deep interest which We feel in their progress has been felt and
understood. Today, We haved dedicated Our home, which We received
from Our noble father, to their service, as a free gift to the nation, in the
hope that We thus contribute to the opportunity for them to prepare for
fruitful careers.
We ask that each student who passes through these halls devote himself to
the development of his mind and body, his mental and physical prowess,
so as to be better able to serve his country and his fellow countrymen.
Choose the field of study which best suits your talents, continue
unwavering in your diligent studies, prepare yourself for service in
whatever profession you may best fitted. God grant you success.
complete, but they represent needs to which this University is seeking to
respond. The heaviest responsibility will, naturally, fall on the faculty.
Theirs is the job of training the minds and hands of the youth of Ethiopia
in the knowledge and in the special skills. We may all be proud of the
Ethiopian members of the faculty who have adopted this highest of
callings and who have in the past and will continue in the future to render
great service to their nation. The teachers who, in the past, coming from
many different countries, have discharged the duty of educating Ethiopia's
young men and women have earned Our appreciation and gratitude and the
appreciation and gratitude of all of us. Their example should spur on those
who staff the faculty of the University to pursue their tasks with diligence
and to spare no effort to ensure that their teaching inspires those who
study in their classrooms.
We sincerely thank Dr. Lucien Matte who assisted Us for many years with
loyalty, devotion and diligence in Our efforts for the progress of education
in Our country and in the establishment of the University College of Addis
Ababa which is one of the affiliated institutions of the Haile Selassie I
University.
Also We wish to remember the late Mr. A. Besse who was one of those
who have generously contributed towards the establishment of this
University.
All of you must maintain the highest standards in your instruction in order
that the overall standard of this University may be second to none. Work
together in harmony, as a team, in raising this institution to the highest
academic levels. Each of you must do his part to contribute to the
advancement of knowledge. You must above all be scholarly, for it is by
deeds rather than by words that you can most effectively inspire your
students to heed your words. Each of you should consider it his duty to
pursue research in your own field of study, for you will thereby bring
renown both upon yourselves and upon the institution.
On many occasions during recent years, We have had the opportunity to
speak to our students. We trust that Our love and consideration for them
and the deep interest which We feel in their progress has been felt and
understood. Today, We haved dedicated Our home, which We received
from Our noble father, to their service, as a free gift to the nation, in the
hope that We thus contribute to the opportunity for them to prepare for
fruitful careers.
We ask that each student who passes through these halls devote himself to
the development of his mind and body, his mental and physical prowess,
so as to be better able to serve his country and his fellow countrymen.
Choose the field of study which best suits your talents, continue
unwavering in your diligent studies, prepare yourself for service in
whatever profession you may best fitted. God grant you success.