Courage

Upon his election as Lord Rector of St. Andrews University Sir J.M. Barrie delivered an inaugural address in which he sought to inspire the youth sitting before him. His stirring words on the subject of courage are just as invigorating today more than eight decades after they appeared in book form in 1923. Barrie advised young people never to ascribe to an opponent motives meaner than your own; to know what you mean; to insist on helping; to learn how world-shaking situations arise and how they can be countered; and to doubt those who deny you the right of partnership. Charming candid and stimulation Barries address is a rousing example of how he championed the spirit of young people. Of his daring comments he said I sound to myself as if I were advocating a rebellion though I am really asking for a larger friendship. Scottish writer SIR JAMES MATTHEW BARRIE (1860-1937) was the author of most famously Peter Pan as well as numerous plays stories and novels including The Little Minister The Little White Bird and What Every Woman Knows.