Article May 22, 1965 Issue

A College Student Writes

Achievement: A Scientific View

BARBARA L. SMITH

Modern society has been referred to by sociologists as an achievement society. It is said that possibilities are unlimited; modern men can achieve everything if they push forward, work hard, and never miss an opportunity to grab for what they want. Modern men believe that their achievement is based upon their innate ability, their education, their intelligence quotient, and their ability to communicate successfully with others.

In the early days of Christianity and throughout the Middle Ages economic gain for its own sake was disparaged, and the Church condemned usury. These teachings were frequently flouted by churchmen and laymen alike; but they remained the standard of the Church.

Later, at the time of the Protestant Reformation, particularly through the teachings of Calvinism, there began to be a gradual change of attitude toward economic gain, including money-lending. "God helps those who help themselves" came to mean that one should work for and expect a material recompense. Soon helping oneself became a major consideration, and God's help was less frequently depended upon or sought.

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