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This is great because it builds confidence; you have to do something hard, and are encouraged nonchalantly, as if putting in enough effort without getting intim
by zallarak 11y ago
This is great because it builds confidence; you have to do something hard, and are encouraged nonchalantly, as if putting in enough effort without getting intimidated will solve the problem. Which it almost always does.
The MIT students I have had the pleasure of working with all exhibit this attitude of not giving up and solving tough problems with a calm, perseverent attitude.
- Squarel 11y agoBut why should swimming be necessary for attending university? A calm attitude of perseverance can be obtained many ways, without forcing people to take swimming classes.
- soperj 11y agoAt Harvard it's necessary because back in the day a guy(who was an only child) drowned right after getting his degree. When his mother passed, she willed a bunch of money to Harvard on the sole promise that everyone who gets into Harvard has to learn to swim, because it's a waste of everyone's time & money to get a degree from Harvard when you can die that easily.
- 2510c39011c5 11y agothat seems to be a folklore on the swimming requirement... And they actually did some historical research on it, http://asklib.hcl.harvard.edu/a.php?qid=31265 http://asklib.hcl.harvard.edu/a.php?qid=31265
- soperj 11y agoneat. Thanks for finding that.