Our Founder’s Voice: Dr. E. Urner Goodman
Posted in Scouting News by John E. Pannell on December 20th, 2009 at 3:42 am As the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is about to begin the celebrations of its centennial, expect a great effort to be made to preserve its history and make it available for posterity’s sake. In the early years there were many great men involved with the BSA, with giant personalities, and whose significant contributions have last decades after their own passing. Dr. E. Urner Goodman, founder of the Order of the Arrow, was one such man.
I recently saw this video posted on another blog and thought I needed to share it again. This very popular and moving video was first shown at the 2006 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) Center for History. It contains edited remarks from Dr. Goodman originally delivered at the 1954 and 1956 NOACs. The words are just as meaningful today as they were a half century ago. Wisdom does not become dated with age.
Among other things, Dr. Goodman tells us of the great danger involved with founding the Order in 1915. He then went on to describe three specific dangers:
- The danger of the clique;
- The danger of the oligarchy;
- The danger of the boss.
The threat from those three dangers — both within the Order and our society in general — are just as great today as in 1915, or in the 1950s when these remarks were delivered. Be on guard for them
An embedded link is after the jump.
This was directed by Bill Topkis and edited by Jake Topkis. Dr. Goodman’s remarks were recorded by Dwight Bischel. All three men deserve kudos for preserving these timeless remarks and making them available for us to hear.
Collectors of Scouting insignia and memorabilia might also watch this video to see some great and priceless items from the early years of Scouting and the Order.
Popularity: 22% [?]
Outstanding! As important today as it was at that time. Having met Dr. Goodman at NOAC I can attest to his sincere commitment to these words and the future of our Order. Thanks for sharing this historical piece with us.