Scotch College

Bearing the flame

Scotch boys have the opportunity to experience the flame of knowledge and spiritual well-being in the pursuit of truth, in a world that needs illumination and compassion.

Since the first records of history, mankind has endeavoured to find a way to express the nature of the universe. Writers of the ancient religious tomes, Greek philosophers, European Enlightenment thinkers and modern scientists have all been driven by an innate desire to find the ultimate expression of truth. This quest, it seems, is part of our creation. However, we are also creatures of comfort, averse to pain, who wish to follow the path of least resistance. This much is clear in almost every facet of modern life; the market is driven by a demand for greater convenience. Mobile phones, computers and cars (some of our most revered icons) were all designed with the aim of making something faster, easier, and less labour-intensive. It sometimes seems that we are losing sight of our quest for truth, instead giving preference to our quest for gratification.

At Scotch, we are blessed with both the secular pursuit of knowledge in the Scottish Enlightenment, and the pursuit of spiritual well-being in our Presbyterian roots. Both the Torch of Learning and the Burning Bush are key symbols in our school crest. Both images focus on a flame. It is my belief that it is our duty, as the fortunate few in the world who are given the chance to experience the flame, to embody three of its key characteristics.

Firstly, light: we should aim to illuminate – revealing the dangers that lurk in the shadows while also shining as a beacon of hope. Light provides focus, a concentration of energy to which people can rally. We can seek light by always questioning, thinking and reflecting, challenging ideas and fuelling our desire to find new ways of expressing the way things are. With the light also comes vigilance, a constant awareness of the possible traps along the way.

Secondly, warmth: our spiritual background encourages us to empathise, to welcome, and to reach out to those in need. Knowledge and truth serve us only if we can learn to apply them with compassion.

Finally, growth: like the fire which springs forth from a spark, we need to encourage the growth of curiosity and compassion in others, to be a stalwart barricade against the rising tide of complacency. We have been given the opportunities to grow in knowledge and as members of the global community. It is imperative to keep the flame alive.

Over the past semester, boys across all year levels have expressed all of these traits: with the beginning of a new breakfast lecture series aimed at increasing worldly awareness, the annual charity 24-hour hike, and a tree-planting program aimed at promoting awareness and passion for sustainability in the future. As we move into the second half of the year, it is our responsibility to make sure we keep fuelling the flame and seeking the light.

The world is in need of illumination and compassion. This year has been a momentous one, with many parts of the world thrown into fear with the violence in Iran, the Global Financial Crisis, a new global pandemic, and just recently the re-emergence of terror in the Jakarta hotel bombings. We cannot stay ignorant and comfortable. We have a responsibility to bear the flame that we have been given. The pursuit of truth is not easy. Nor is it confined to the realms of ‘science’, ‘religion’ or ‘social justice’. Truth encompasses everything, and a school such as Scotch is the perfect place to start searching for it. GS