Banquet for a Better World:

Pomp and circumstance has quieted to a whisper and graduation hats no longer silhouette the sky. Family and friends join together in restaurants for celebratory feasts and at one dinner gathering in Faneuil Hall’s Union Oyster House, the seemingly impossible happens. The ink still wet on their diplomas, two friends–the potential leaders of our future–share in a dialogue alongside several visionaries of centuries past. The illustrious guests, graduates from schools of philosophy and schools of hard knocks, contemplate tomorrow while still baffled by today.

As our newly minted alumni–Shirley Smart and Edgar Eager–peruse the menu of possibilities, the waiter sets the scene with the ubiquitous question, “what would you like to order?” With spectacles resting on the bridge of his nose and amazed by modern-day use of electricity, Franklin chimes in with his baritone voice while busily marveling at an iPhone. His choice from the menu: innovation. Dazzled by the past two centuries of achievements, he is likely discussing bio-fuels while Shirley and Edgar teach him to twitter. The wise Ben Franklin would speak illuminating words for our recent graduates, inspiring them to recognize the power of innovation in all its forms. And if told that it’s not on the menu, he would simply provide the recipe.

Though Franklin’s keen mind might immediately produce an aphorism from Poor Richard’s Almanac on the collapse of Wall Street in October, one of the other guests lingering at the table might be left utterly befuddled by the cataclysmic events of our time. Adam Smith, founder of free market economics, might query his own writings from The Wealth of Nations regarding government intervention in capitalism. When asked by the waiter for his order, the eccentric Smith replies with a knowing smile: perseverance. But it is plausible that the confusion of our economic meltdown would lead to restless nights for the absent-minded professor from Scotland.

As the sun sets on this June evening in New England, the steadfast courage of Harriet Tubman fills the air. Encouraged by the idealism of our “melting pot” nation, she would be gratified to see an African-American as president. Tubman’s humanitarian efforts now might span oceans to infiltrate regions of the globe where civil liberties are severely curtailed or tragically nonexistent. Whether in Darfur or Myanmar, knowledge gained from her struggles with the Underground Railroad to free slaves might well be applied in achieving emancipation for others. Perhaps she would consider leading Amnesty International or becoming a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Her menu selection: global freedom from oppression.

As our recent graduates are served an entrée of opportunity it is likely that our legendary pioneers from yesteryear would charge them with the responsibility of being the link between past and future.

Shirley Smart and Edgar Eager’s path to Harvard began in primary school. From across the table, the champion of universal first-class elementary education chimes in. Horace Mann, architect of American public schooling, ponders the debate over private education, charter schools, and educational reform. He tells the two graduates that today’s youth must have a toolbox of knowledge if they are to build a better tomorrow. Distant in thought and dabbling on a laptop, he probably wonders why race and class discrepancies still exist in childhood learning. While Edgar informs Horace Mann about Teach for America, the waiter takes his order, pragmatism. Franklin’s eyes consider a second entrée, but just then the professional voice of Dr. Osler comments upon Benjamin’s expanding girth.  

Sir William Osler, father of modern medicine, catapulted clinical practice forward by centuries. Marveling at heart transplantation, gene sequencing, and tissue engineering wizardry, Osler might perseverate on why millions lack access to basic primary care. Troubled by a nation advanced in technology but crippled by the problem of equal access to quality health care, the doctor places his dinner selection: compassion. The consummate healer eloquently speaks of aequanimitas–a balanced state of health, wisdom, insight, and clarity.

Though demurely silent among the spring evening voices of other icons, the verve of Rachel Carson comes to life as the conversation shifts to a planet in crisis. As the inspiration for grassroots environmentalism, Carson’s zeal penetrates the celebratory ambiance surrounding Shirley and Edgar. By questioning the status quo she inadvertently laid the groundwork for what was to become the Environmental Protection Agency. She might tell all at the table to speak without fear, stand one’s ground and be grand in vision. Carson’s choice from the menu: activism.

As these legendary leaders in science, economics, human rights, education, medicine and ecology savor their conversation, Shirley Smart and Edgar Eager suddenly realize a common thread: Despite individual taste, the universal ingredient for a better world can ultimately be none other than inspiration. A life of meaning necessitates a diverse diet, encompassing everything from compassion, freedom, and activism to innovation, pragmatism, and perseverance. And lest we forget, nothing is complete without the crystal clear twinkle of the finest wine: le vin de Joie de Vivre.


Howard A. Zucker is a physician, attorney, and former Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization, who served as a Resident Fellow at the Institute of Politics this past semester.