Here's a quick history for those unfortunate souls reading this that don't know about this amazing creed.
George Petrie is best known for two things at Auburn University: he wrote the creed I am telling you about, and he organized and coached Auburn's first football team in 1892. He was also a professor of history and Latin, the head of the History Department and the Dean of the Graduate School. Fun fact: he was the first Alabama resident to earn a Ph.D. If the previous information did not convince you that this guy knew what he was doing and what he was talking about...maybe this creed will.
"I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully. I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men. I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities. I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all. I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all. I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by 'doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.' And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it."
- George Petrie (1943)
I get chills every single time I read this creed. It. Will. Never. Fail. I have never read something else that has truly shown me what it means to be a great person. This Auburn man knew what he was talking about.
Here is why everyone should strive to live by this creed. It's pretty simple really.
1. It states that you can ONLY count on what YOU earn. Hard work is such a rewarding thing, and if you don't work hard in life, you really aren't going to get very far and you won't be very happy.
2. It tells you education is something you NEED to become richer in life (figuratively and literally). They say you should learn something new every day. If you look hard enough, you do.
3. It says to be HONEST and TRUTHFUL. This just goes without saying. If you can't be honest, it's pretty obvious that people aren't going to want to get close to you.
4. It reminds you that sound minds AND bodies create a spirit that is unafraid. Being healthy and knowing the possibilities you can reach allows you to do anything you set out to do.
5. It shows you how the human touch is the MOST precious thing. This is one of the true riches in life, helping people can enrich your life, but the people you help change your life in ways you couldn't even imagine.
6. It reminds you that we live in the land of the FREE and we are home to the BRAVE. Embrace the wonderful country you live in. Learn to love where you came from. It is YOUR home.
7. It will teach you to work justly and love with ALL you have. A moral compass is a true piece of you, so keep in touch with it. Love anything and everything with every single part of you. That way you can never say you didn't give it all you had.
8. It reminds you to always walk humbly with YOUR God. Know that you are not alone. He is always there for you. Stay humble and know you are just a TINY piece of the big picture.
I strive to live by this every single day, not just because I want to live up to the standards this creed sets for Auburn students and fans, but because this creed sets an example of what it means to be an EXTRAORDINARY human being. Here's to hoping I've given you a new standard to set for yourself because you want to be the best person you can be.
Because I'm an Auburn woman who believes in these things, I believe in Auburn (and you), and love it.
