4 ACORN Burton's Awakening His was well deserved triumph. Burton Spencer drew a deep sigh of satisfaction and relief as he left the cheering throng in the school auditorium, where by his unusual ability in oratory, he had won the day. It seemed as a dream to him that at last his highest hopes had been realized, and for the first time in his eighteen years a feeling of real importance came over him. Had he not brought high honors to the school? Surely they were proud to number him among them, for he had worked hard to place crimson and white at the top. The joy of living filled his whole being and all nature seemed to smile on him. Through the mass of deep clouds that had settled over the western sky, where before he had noticed nothing but monotonous gray, he now distinguished little sunbeams struggling successfully into view. Life had changed from doubt and uncertainty into the realization of success greater than he had ever dared to hope for. Certainly it was worth while working for others. Suddenly the boy's thoughts changed. Was it really for the honor of the school that he had been striving for weeks? No! Although even to himself he did not admit it. Deep in his heart was the one desire, the one selfish motive, praise and popularity. He exulted in the thought that having accomplished something worth while, he would now be looked up to and highly esteemed in the eyes of both students and instructors. Vainly he pictured himself as a leader among them. Often we anticipate greater joy from an action than we receive. So it was with the victorious young orator. For a few days he was content with the praise and flattery given him, but soon the event was forgotten and things proceeded the same as before. Weeks wore on and Spencer took no part in any other of the student activities. It was in vain that his classmates entreated him to enter for debates, contests or readings. He had done his share and, having won his laurels, thought they would retain themselves. In this he was decidedly mistaken. All must learn that in this busy world there is no time to pause, even for a moment lest we awake to find ourselves forgotten and far behind. In the eager strenuous clamor for success there is no time to look backward too much lies ahead. Besides the hearts of men are fickle and the past is soon forgotten in the glorious hope of the future. Not realizing this fact, Burton Spencer did not understand the situation. "It seems to me that the students soon forget a fellow's earnest efforts and what he has done for them," was the opinion he expressed to the principal one night while walking home from school. The professor saw the condition that the boy's mind was in and resolved to enlighten him. ACORN 5 "My dear Spencer," he said kindly, "shall I tell you something?" A look of inquiry crossed the boyish face as he looked up and nodded. "It is true that your oration was remarkably good for a boy of your years and we were all proud of you, but since that time," the teacher continued and his voice grew impatient. "You have done absolutely nothing to further develop your talents. A man must earn new laurels, for the old ones wither in a very short time. We must work incessantly to accomplish much, for life is short at the best. I hope you will take my words to heart, for I assure you there is no one more sincerely interested in your welfare than I." They parted silently at the next corner. Burton was thinking too deeply to talk much. A new resolution had entered his mind. The next day he sought the debating manager and asked with pretended indifference, "Was it the negative side of the debate that you wished me to take?" J. W., '14. Socrates and the Pig It has been said that it is better to be a Socrates with a headache than a perfectly healthy pig. Modern education is much concerned with the physical development of the student. First, because happiness and usefulness depend upon a sound body as well as a sound mind. Second, because physical education is a means to intellectual advancement. Unfortunately, there is, to some extent, a conflict between the demands of intellectual training, and those of health. It is very probable that there would be less eye troubles if we left books and occupations demanding study, entirely alone. We must be careful not to sell too much of our health for intelligence and skill. On the other hand it would be very unwise to sacrifice all intelligence and skill for good health. Seemingly, there must be a compromise. In order to become very efficient intellectually, it is probable that we must barter our health to some extent, and in order to keep in perfect health it is necessary in many cases to sacrifice some intelligence. But let us not take it that exercise is the only essential to good health. Pure air, nourishing food, and sound sleep are even more important than exercise, and no amount of the latter can make up for loss of the other three. If it is not possible for us to get all of these in connection with our intellectual training, let us sacrifice the intellectual side for the physical and be a perfectly healthy pig. S. T., '13.