British military officer and founder of the world scouting movement (1857-1941). TLS, two pages, 8 x 10, The Boy Scouts Association letterhead, November 29, 1923. Letter issued to his "Students," in full: "I am greatly honoured by your selection of me to be your totem or mascot or whatever the position is that you have assigned me. I only hope that you will avoid putting me on too high a pedestal, not because I am humble but because the fall will hurt so—when it comes! Still, while I am on that pedestal may I hope that, though you are training for efficiency in business, you will not look to me as commending efficiency as your highest aim: I would point still higher and say Aim for Service to others as much as for Success for yourself. Efficiency in business may bring you dollars, position and power for a time but it can never bring you the riches that are the harvest of Service. Put service for others ever first, and the self second. May I further commend as a slogan that which we employ (and, what is more, try to act up to) in the Boy Scout movement, viz.:—'Practise Goodwill and Co-operation—with widened Outlook.' This, generally carried out, will mean a new era, an era of unselfish love among men, the cessation of warfare between parties, creeds and nations, the reign of God's Kingdom of Peace and Goodwill upon earth. It is open to each one of you, if you will, without disturbing your ordinary life, to take a hand in this glorious move that is so badly needed in this trouble old world of ours to-day." In fine condition, with rusty paperclip impressions to the top edge.
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