Humanism at Harvard

The motto of Harvard University, which might as well be tattooed on aspirants to the American upper class, is "veritas." For those who never learned the Latin that was once part of the standard curriculum, that means "truth." It seems like an obvious fit for the nation's most prominent institution of higher learning. Isn't pursuing truth what a university is all about? But the motto's history isn't so simple. Although it appeared in several versions following Harvard's establishment in 1643, most stressed the theological character of the truth to which the college was devoted. "Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae" -- truth for Christ and Church -- read one version. "In Christam Gloriam" -- to the glory of Christ -- went another. The one word version was adopted in the late 19th century, partly at the urging of poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.