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The founders and early leaders at Oberlin wanted to change the world, but to do so, and to be abolitionists and missionaries, required that they be fearless too. Perhaps they were also somewhat quirky - motivated by religious belief, and filled with idealistic ideas like having the school operate through "learning and labor" -- including really doing labor, growing some crops, moving some rocks. Plainsman is saying, as I interpret it, that the word "fearless" inspired him to take a second look at Oberlin. That is no doubt as true for him and many others as it was true for some of the now rising seniors who were inspired by "think one person can change the world." But Oberlin's old materials were blander, portrayed it as another set of buildings on a greensward - didn't have punch or edge. And surely, Oberlin students want to change the world, and also want to have punch and edge. Oberlin is one of the most underrated schools in the country - that was part of the idea behind finding a new way to attract smart, creative, dedicated students. Being hypersensitive about it, wanting to say, no, Oberlin students are "fearful" - seems to miss the point. Of course there are things to be fearful about in this world...like swine flu...but Oberlin has a history of sending people out in the world to address those fears...like the new CDC director, an Oberlin grad.
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