Non Sibi and The Academy

Non sibi is one of three inveterate mottos that appear across the seal of Phillips Exeter Academy. Χάριτι Θεοῦ, which is Greek for the phrase  “By the grace of God,” borders the top of the image’s oval frame. Finis origine pendet, which is Latin for “the end depends on the beginning,” runs along the bottom of the emblem. Non sibi, which is Latin for “not for self,” sits within the scene—inscribed within the body of a rising sun.

Χάριτι Θεοῦ is a relic of a religious past that no longer represents the Academy nor is relevant to most Exonians. Finis origine pendet serves as a relatively straightforward reminder that your current choices and efforts will determine your future. Exeter works symbiotically with this motto to assure the student that, by exerting effort towards the one-dimensional goal of academic success at the best school in America, they are achieving an illustrious beginning and promised an illustrious end.

Non sibi, however, is not conducive to that one-dimensional goal. The rigor of the Exeter academic experience rewards the self-serving while neglecting the truly non Sibi. Successful management of the workload often fills each free minute, distracting from the pursuit of personal success at Exeter. Choosing to edit a friend’s paper, help them with math homework or explain a missed biology lab ends up displacing valuable time for work and sleep.

What incentives will these Exonians turn to along their self-serving paths? Will they practice Non-Sibi in the real world?

This appears to be a simple concept, but I have rarely seen it openly discussed by the administration. Instead, non sibi is preached while rigor is maintained. If the school is trying to produce both good and knowledgeable graduates, and an Exonian’s goodness can be demonstrated and practiced through non sibi, the emergence of a work environment where the two elements are at odds should be cause for alarm and reform. Instead, certain devices are implemented to provide false versions of non sibi, such as ESSO.

While I do not doubt the members of ESSO’s genuine intentions nor their positive impact on the community, I do not believe that the majority of ESSO participants would stay committed to the club if it was not recognized on their college applications. Being “not for the self” is an approach, not an action; if my theory stands true, the exposure of a dominating element of personal interest behind the participation of ESSO members discredits non sibi. Thus, the promise of ESSO as an organization that conflates Exonians’ participation in community service with a practice of Non-Sibi has no real foundation. However, ESSO is constantly portrayed as a place to go and collect goodness through the practice of non sibi.

If non sibi cannot be properly practiced during an academically successful Exeter experience, are Exeter graduates entering society with minimal goodness and maximal knowledge? What incentives will these Exonians turn to along their self-serving paths? Will they practice Non-Sibi in the real world?

I have faith in the Harkness gift. As Exonians, we are constantly exposed to, and engaging with, an educational method that is based around the presentation of established knowledge and renowned perspectives as discussion tools to enable the development of a personal perspective.

The constant examination and discussion of agenda and shortcomings of majority perspectives and virtual truths inevitably teach us to be wary of an ignorant existence. When presented with reality, we will recognize injustice. The free development of perspective facilitated by Harkness will translate to an elevated sense of empathy and understanding that leads to action  — and that is when non sibi in its most organic form can be practiced.