ASEF Declaration of Principles

This declaration is a statement of ideals for new members of ASEF Society of Fellows.

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You have been selected as a member of this society for your personal prospect of intellectual achievement in your chosen field, and your promise of exceptional contribution to knowledge and society. That promise you must redeem with your whole intellectual and moral force.

Academic Excellence. You will practice the virtues, and avoid the snares, of the scholar. You will be courteous to your elders who have explored to the point from which you may advance; and helpful to your juniors who will progress farther by reason of your labors. Your aim will be intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and excellence in teaching and creativity. You will devote your time to productive scholarship of the highest caliber.

Character Formation. You will seek not a near but a distant objective, and you will not be satisfied with what you may have done. You will seek to develop a moral character and be a person who is admirable because of the self-assured, ethical behavior. You will seek to build thriving communities today and for generations to come.

Dedicated service. You will advocate for the benefit of humanity and contribute to the intellectual, economic, religious and cultural vitality of society by serving those with the least access to power and privilege in order to promote the flourishing of all.

To these things, in joining the Society of Fellows, you dedicate yourself.

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