DIY History | Transcribe | Nile Kinnick Collection | Nile Kinnick diary of service in the U.S. Naval Reserve Air Corps, January 1, 1943-June 1, 1943

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Nile Kinnick diary of service in the U.S. Naval Reserve Air Corps, January 1, 1943-June 1, 1943

Page 25

by the Americans as a result of the destroyer (over-age) deal in the fall of 1940 (?). Had an interesting talk with one of the native truck drivers. Seemed quite intelligent & fair minded. He philosophically opined that there were both good & bad Americans & British. The British educational system sounded pretty good. Compulsory up to 14 - elementary, secondary, & even colleges established. If a student is particularly apt he is sent to Britain for more education. All of it is free. I gathered that the econ. opportunity was not so generous. Where the whiteman's pocketbook & social & racial superiority is involved his humanitarian impulses are quick to recede.
The mind which demands "one or the other," "all or nothing" is the mind which can never successfully reconcile idealism with the practical need.
The desire for certainty - unachievable in human experience - frets so many people, wears them out, robs them of happiness & peace. Do the best that you can & the best that you know and fear not. That goes for prayer as well as other endeavour.
When writing or speaking don't attempt to be too precise and detailed. Leave something

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by the Americans as a result of the destroyer (over-age) deal in the fall of 1940 (?). Had an interesting talk with one of the native truck drivers. Seemed quite intelligent & fair minded. He philosophically opined that there were both good & bad Americans & British. The British educational system sounded pretty good. Compulsory up to 14 - elementary, secondary, & even colleges established. If a student is particularly apt he is sent to Britain for more education. All of it is free. I gathered that the econ. opportunity was not so generous. Where the whiteman's pocketbook & social & racial superiority is involved his humanitarian impulses are quick to recede. The mind which demands "one or the other," "all or nothing" is the mind which can never successfully reconcile idealism with the practical need. The desire for certainty - unachievable in human experience - frets so many people, wears them out, robs them of happiness & peace. Do the best that you can & the best that you know and fear not. That goes for prayer as well as other endeavour. When writing or speaking don't attempt to be too precise and detailed. Leave something