the higher learning in america-第56章
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practical powers; instincts and sympathies which can be developed
only in action; only through experience?。。。 That broader training
is just what is needed by the higher and more responsible ranks
of business; both private and public。。。。 Success in large trading
has always needed breadth of view。〃
7。 Cf。; e。g。; Report of a Conference on Commercial Education and
Business Progress; In connection with the dedication of the
Commerce Building; at the University of Illinois; 1913。 The
somewhat raucous note of self…complacency that pervades this
characteristic document should not be allowed to lessen its value
as evidence of the spirit for which it speaks。 Indeed; whatever
it may show; of effrontery and disingenuousness; is rather to be
taken as of the essence of the case。 It might prove difficult to
find an equally unabashed pronouncement of the like volume and
consistency put forth under the like academic auspices; but it
does by no means stand alone; and its perfections should not be
counted against it。
8。 This characterization applies without abatement to the schools
of commerce as commonly designed at their foundation and set
forth in their public announcements; and to their work in so far
as they live up to their professions。 At the same time it is to
be noted that few of these schools successfully keep their work
clear of all entanglement with theoretical discussions that have
only a scientific bearing。 And it is also quite feasible to
organize a 〃school of commerce〃 on lines of scientific inquiry
with the avowed purpose of dealing with business enterprise in
its various ramifications as subject matter of theoretical
investigation; but such is not the avowed aim of the established
schools of this class; and such is not the actual character of
the work carried on in these schools; except by inadvertence。
9。 It is doubtless within the mark to say that the training given
by the American schools of commerce is detrimental to the
community's material interests。 In America; even in a more
pronounced degree than elsewhere; business management centres on
financiering and salesmanship; and American commercial schools;
even in a more pronounced degree than those of other countries;
centre their attention on proficiency in these matters; because
these are the matters which the common sense of the American
business community knows how to value; and on which it insists as
indispensable qualifications in its young men。 The besetting
infirmity of the American business community; as witness the many
and circumstantial disclosures of the 〃efficiency engineers;〃 and
of others who have had occasion to speak of the matter; is a
notable indifference to the economical and mechanically efficient
use; exploitation and conservation of equipment and resources;
coupled with an equally notable want of insight into the
technological needs and possibilities of the industries which
they control。 The typical American businessman watches the
industrial process from ambush; with a view to the seizure of any
item of value that may be left at loose ends。 Business strategy
is a strategy of 〃watchful waiting;〃 at the centre of a web; very
alert and adroit; but remarkably incompetent in the way of
anything that can properly be called 〃industrial enterprise。〃
The concatenation of circumstances that has brought American
business enterprise to this inglorious posture; and has virtually
engrossed the direction of business affairs in the hands of men
endowed with the spiritual and intellectual traits suitable to
such prehensile enterprise; can not be gone into here。 The fact;
however; is patent。 It should suffice to call to mind the large
fact; as notorious as it is discreditable; that the American
business community has; with unexampled freedom; had at its
disposal the largest and best body of resources that has yet
become available to modern industry; in men; materials and
geographical situation; and that with these means they have
achieved something doubtfully second…rate; as compared with the
industrial achievements of other countries less fortunately
placed in all material respects。
What the schools of commerce now offer is further
specialization along the same line of proficiency; to give
increased facility in financiering and salesmanship。 This
specialization on commerce is like other specialization in that
it draws off attention and interest from other lines than those
in which the specialization falls; thereby widening the
candidate's field of ignorance while it intensifies his
effectiveness within his specialty。 The effect; as touches the
community's interest in the matter; should be an enhancement of
the candidate's proficiency in all the futile ways and means of
salesmanship and 〃conspiracy in restraint of trade。〃 together
with a heightened incapacity and ignorance bearing on such work
as is of material use。
10。 Latterly; it appears; the training given by the athletic
establishments attached to the universities is also coming to
have a value as vocational training; in that the men so trained
and vouched for by these establishments are finding lucrative
employment as instructors; coaches; masseurs; etc。; engaged in
similar athletic traffic in various schools; public or private。
So also; and for the same reason; they are found eligible as
〃muscular Christian〃 secretaries in charge of chapters of the
Y。M。C。A。 and the like quasi…devout clubs and gilds。 Indeed in all
but the name; the athletic establishments are taking on the
character of 〃schools〃 or 〃divisions〃 included under the
collective academic administration; very much after the fashion
of a 〃School of Education〃 or a 〃School of Journalism〃; and they
are in effect 〃graduating〃 students in Athletics; with due;
though hitherto unofficial; certification of proficiency。 So
also; latterly; one meets with proposals; made in good faith;
among official academic men to allow due 〃academic credit〃 for
training in athletics and let it count toward graduation。 By
indirection and subreption; of course; much of the training given
in athletics already does so count。
CHAPTER VIII
Summary and Trial Balance
As in earlier passages; so here in speaking of profit and
loss; the point of view taken is neither that of material
advantage; whether of the individuals concerned or of the
community at large; nor that of expediency for the common good in
respect of prosperity or of morals; nor is the appraisal here
ventured upon to be taken as an expression of praise or dispraise
at large; touching this incursion of business principles into the
affairs of learning。
By and large; the intrusion of businesslike ideals; aims and
methods into this field; with all the consequences that follow;
may be commendable or the reverse。 All that is matter for
attention and advisement at the hands of such as aim to alter;
improve; amend or conserve the run of institutional phenomena
that goes to make up the current situation。 The present inquiry
bears on the higher learning as it comes into this current
situation; and on the effect of this recourse to business
principles upon the pursuit of learning。
Not that this learning is therefore to be taken as
necessarily of higher and more substantial value than that
traffic in competitive gain and competitive spending upon which
business principles converge; and in which they find th