Pamphlet (Volume 48)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1922. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V INTELLECTUAL UNION AMONG THE UNIVERSITIES OF THE CONTINENT I The comparison which we have made in the foregoing chapters between the university organizations of the United States and those of Latin America, bring out not only the convenience but the necessity of establishing a closer intellectual union. This will facilitate a better understanding between the two groups of countries, which will prove reciprocally beneficial: the Latin-Americans may best become familiarized with, and later acquire the beautiful qualities which adorn and have made the United States a great nation, and for the latter, a more intimate contact with the mentality of the former will not prove valueless. Only thus may our continent fulfill the great mission which it is called upon to discharge after this catastrophe: to study the reconstruction of economic, political, social and international life in all its aspects as well as the new problems which may arise--especially from the American point of view. In order to facilitate this union, it is necessary that the universities should sufficiently modify their traditional plans of study and methods of teaching as well as all the old patterns, ideas and prejudices which prevailed in the system of teaching during the course of the nineteenth century. A new and progressive spirit must animate them in order that in the future men may become real lovers of their country but without any aggressiveness or chauvinism, and may learn to appreciate the value of national and international organization and cooperation, so that these may be developed unhindered; and finally that a spirit may be formed capable of understanding the necessity of reconstructing social life in all its aspects and undertaking through study to facilitate progressively...