On September 20th, Frankly Speaking posed to the student body of Olin the question: “What is ‘not-so-well-known’ that you think people should know more of? Can you tell us about it? Why is it important?” We received the following three fairly different responses:
I think the Olin bubble hurts us more than one may think. We are very uninformed about what goes on in the world around us. How can a college change the world if the students in the college don’t even know what is going on in the world? We’ve become too focused on “how to make Olin better” rather than “how to make the world better.” We should focus on the latter and the former will follow.
– Anonymous
I would say something that is “not-so-well-known” are the teachings of Jesus. The some of the world’s major religions: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Mormons, and more all recognize Jesus’ teachings to some degree and seek to actively learn from them.
For example, one of the items that Jesus advocated was loving one’s enemies:
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48
Loving one’s enemies is not something that comes naturally and going as far as praying for someone who actively seeks to cause you harm is very much against human nature. Yet, Jesus seems to call people to that idea. Why does Jesus say such things? What benefit does that have?
Even though many don’t consider the teachings of Jesus to hold much value in their own lives, I argue that everyone can find value in studying thoroughly what exactly Jesus had to say, regardless of religious affiliation.
– Sarah Strohkorb
You’re not supposed to wash denim as frequently as other clothes. You only really need to wash them when they’re stinky.
– Anonymous
Next month’s question: What is one resource available to Olin students that is massively under utilized? Submit your response to any of the editors or via email to submit@franklyspeakingnews.com.
