Who knows What the Hebrew Words on the Yale Coat of Arms Mean?

The phrase "אורים ותמים" (Urim and Tumim) on Yale's emblem holds deep significance.

The Urim and Tumim were used by Jewish high priests to receive divine guidance in decision-making on issues of national importance.

This emblem represents more than just Yale's history; it's a testament to the foundational belief that academic achievement must be grounded in a higher value system.

This perspective was central to the intellectual tradition in the early days of American higher education.

It was about achievement in service of greater values, a philosophy that helped shape America into a land of opportunity and prosperity.

Yet, today, we are witnessing a decoupling of achievement from these core values.

When achievements are disconnected from moral truths, the achievements will be used to advance the darker elements of human characters, as we have seen throughout history.

Heinrich Himmler: One of the most powerful men in Nazi Germany and one of the main architects of the Holocaust, Himmler held a degree in Agriculture from the Technical University of Munich.

Joseph Goebbels: The Reich Minister of Propaganda, Goebbels held a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in German Philology, which he earned from Heidelberg University.

Rudolf Hess: Hitler's Deputy in the Nazi Party, Hess studied at the University of Munich and the Higher Technical School at Darmstadt.

Albert Speer: Hitler's chief architect and later Minister of Armaments and War Production, Speer held a degree in architecture from the Technical University of Berlin.

Josef Mengele: Infamous for his inhumane medical experiments in Auschwitz, Mengele held doctorates in anthropology and medicine, which he received from Munich University.

If we are to learn the stark lessons of history, cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and genetic engineering, for example, need to be deployed in a manner that advances life’s ideals.

We must recommit to those transcendental values that have historically empowered human nobility and civilized societies.

Let's inspire a new generation of thinkers and leaders who understand that true achievement lies not just in what we accomplish but in the values the deployment of those achievements upholds.