ETHIOPIAN STUDENTS ABROAD: UNITED KINGDOM
We are happy to send Our Christmas Greetings to the holiday reunion of
Ethiopian students in Great Britain.
They reach you at a
time when Our efforts for the reunion of Eritrea to the Motherland have been
crowned with success, and access to the sea has been opened to Ethiopia. Since
the larger the number of a people, the less they are vulnerable to aggression,
We are proud to know that the people of a former province once torn away from
the Motherland are now restored to Us. We well know that you have been brought
together during your holidays by reason of the sense of brotherhood and by
loyalty and devotion to your own country. You all know that the high privilege
of your study abroad has been made possible through Our Government’s policy
supported by the individual tax contributions of all Our people. In thus making
your education possible the permanent rather than the temporary benefit of Our
people has been preferred. You will realize that their sacrifice has imposed a
high trust upon all of you; as for Us We trust that the idea of repaying the
price for the privilege you have been given is in the forefront of your plans
for the future. You will be able to fulfill this trust if you apply yourselves
faithfully to study and pass with distinction through your higher courses. Thus
you will also be able to apply the knowledge you are acquiring in your many
schools for the benefit of your country and your people.
Wise men have always known the deep and
pervading truth that it is better to give than to receive, for even as it
conflicts with selfish and ambitious desires, it moderates and controls them.
Giving always demands sacrifice. To over-come the temptation of mere daily
comfort and to press resolutely and patiently forward on the scheduled way are
true tests of the high degree of determination that should bind you together.
Any of you, who may wish to profit himself alone from the knowledge given him
rather than serve others through the knowledge he has gained from learning, is
betraying knowledge and rendering it worthless. A man’s happiness is to make
his brother happy, and to serve his country. Thus, it is possible to justify
for knowledge its high and deserved place. For knowledge is power. If it is not
applied properly to create, let there be no doubts, it will destroy. Education
has value as it is established in individuals of good character with respect
for God. We wish that your destiny shall be embraced in an education firmly
based on good character before men and respect before God.
The education and knowledge you are acquiring in England will enable you
to alleviate the suffering of your country, Ethiopia, if they are enfolded into
your minds in harmony with your country’s tradition and character. Not for you
will be their display as mere personal ornament.
You cannot escape
the responsibility of your choice. You must be worthy of Our hope that you
return with the knowledge and devotion to serve Our country and ameliorate the
life of Our People.
Even as the impression of another people is formed from the conduct of a
single individual, so are you all ambassadors of your country. If you are found
to be well-mannered, thoughtful, faithful and industrious, you make others
think well of Us. But if you become dishonest, arrogant, careless, and
indolent, you discredit Us and your-self, and your conscience will trouble you
throughout the rest of your life.
Your country is awaiting the services of her experienced children. Since
your desire is to participate in the work which We have planned for the
well-being of Ethiopia and for Our people’s prosperity, in sending you this
advice, We pray that the Almighty may help you to attain your loyal and worthy
aspirations.
Jan. 8, 1951.
Selected Speeches of His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 45 –
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