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| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Chapter I - Part 2 |
| Special Education |
| Ethiopian Students Abroad - United Kingdom Jan. 08, 1951 |
| Selected Speeches |
We are happy to send Our Christmas Greetings to the holiday reunion of
Ethiopian students in Great Britain.
They reach you at a time when Our efforts for the reunion of Eritrea to
the Motherland have been crowned with success, and access to the sea
has been opened to Ethiopia. Since the larger the number of a people, the
less they are vulnerable to aggression, We are proud to know that the
people of a former province once torn away from the Motherland are now
restored to Us. We well know that you have been brought together during
your holidays by reason of the sense of brotherhood and by loyalty and
devotion to your own country. You all know that the high privilege of
your study abroad has been made possible through Our Government's
policy supported by the individual tax contributions of all Our people. In
ths making your education possible the permanent rather than the
temporary benefit of Our people has been preferred. You will realize that
their sacrifice has imposed a high trust upon all of you; as for Us We trust
that the idea of repaying the price for the privilege you have been given is
in the forefront of your plans for the future. You will be able to fulfil this
trust if you apply yourselves faithfully to study and pass with distinction
through your higher courses. Thus you will also be able to apply the
knowledge you are acquiring in your many schools for the benefit of your
country and your people.
Wise men have always known the deep and pervading truth that it is better
to give than to receive, for even as it conflicts with selfish and ambitious
desires, it moderates and controls them. Giving always demands sacrifice.
To overcome the temptation of mere daily comfort and to press resolutely
and patiently forward on the scheduled way are true tests of the high
degree of determination that should bind you together. Any of you, who
may wish to profit himself alone from the knowledge given him rather
than serve others through the knowledge he has gained from learning, is
betraying knowledge and rendering it worthless. A man's happiness is to
make his brother happy, and to serve his country. Thus, it is possible to
justify for knowledge its high and deserved place. For knowledge is
power. If it is not applied property to create, let there be no doubts, it will
destroy. Education has value as it is established in individuals of good
character with respect for God. We wish that your destiny shall be
embraced in an education firmly based on good character before men and
respect before God.
The education and knowledge you are acquiring in England will enable you
to alleviate the suffering of your country, Ethiopia, if they are enfolded into
your minds in harmony with your country's tradition and character. Not
for you will be their display as mere personal ornament. You cannot
escape the responsibility of your choice. You must be worthy of Our
hope that you return with the knowledge and devotion to serve Our
country and ameliorate the life of Our People.
Even as the impression of another people is formed from the conduct of a
single individual, so are you all ambassadors of your country. If you are
found to be well-mannered, thoughtful, faithful and industrious, you make
others think well of Us. But if you become dishonest, arrogant, careless,
and indolent, you discredit Us and yourself, and your conscience will
trouble you throughout the rest of your life.
Your country is awaiting the services of her experienced children. Since
your desire is to participate in the work which We have planned for the
well-being of Ethiopia and for Our people's prosperity, in sending you this
advice, We pray that the Almighty may help you to attain your loyal and
worthy aspirations.
Ethiopian students in Great Britain.
They reach you at a time when Our efforts for the reunion of Eritrea to
the Motherland have been crowned with success, and access to the sea
has been opened to Ethiopia. Since the larger the number of a people, the
less they are vulnerable to aggression, We are proud to know that the
people of a former province once torn away from the Motherland are now
restored to Us. We well know that you have been brought together during
your holidays by reason of the sense of brotherhood and by loyalty and
devotion to your own country. You all know that the high privilege of
your study abroad has been made possible through Our Government's
policy supported by the individual tax contributions of all Our people. In
ths making your education possible the permanent rather than the
temporary benefit of Our people has been preferred. You will realize that
their sacrifice has imposed a high trust upon all of you; as for Us We trust
that the idea of repaying the price for the privilege you have been given is
in the forefront of your plans for the future. You will be able to fulfil this
trust if you apply yourselves faithfully to study and pass with distinction
through your higher courses. Thus you will also be able to apply the
knowledge you are acquiring in your many schools for the benefit of your
country and your people.
Wise men have always known the deep and pervading truth that it is better
to give than to receive, for even as it conflicts with selfish and ambitious
desires, it moderates and controls them. Giving always demands sacrifice.
To overcome the temptation of mere daily comfort and to press resolutely
and patiently forward on the scheduled way are true tests of the high
degree of determination that should bind you together. Any of you, who
may wish to profit himself alone from the knowledge given him rather
than serve others through the knowledge he has gained from learning, is
betraying knowledge and rendering it worthless. A man's happiness is to
make his brother happy, and to serve his country. Thus, it is possible to
justify for knowledge its high and deserved place. For knowledge is
power. If it is not applied property to create, let there be no doubts, it will
destroy. Education has value as it is established in individuals of good
character with respect for God. We wish that your destiny shall be
embraced in an education firmly based on good character before men and
respect before God.
The education and knowledge you are acquiring in England will enable you
to alleviate the suffering of your country, Ethiopia, if they are enfolded into
your minds in harmony with your country's tradition and character. Not
for you will be their display as mere personal ornament. You cannot
escape the responsibility of your choice. You must be worthy of Our
hope that you return with the knowledge and devotion to serve Our
country and ameliorate the life of Our People.
Even as the impression of another people is formed from the conduct of a
single individual, so are you all ambassadors of your country. If you are
found to be well-mannered, thoughtful, faithful and industrious, you make
others think well of Us. But if you become dishonest, arrogant, careless,
and indolent, you discredit Us and yourself, and your conscience will
trouble you throughout the rest of your life.
Your country is awaiting the services of her experienced children. Since
your desire is to participate in the work which We have planned for the
well-being of Ethiopia and for Our people's prosperity, in sending you this
advice, We pray that the Almighty may help you to attain your loyal and
worthy aspirations.
| Haile Selassie the First - January 8, 1951 |
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