U Chicago Stories

JBStillFlying
Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:58:04 +0000

Oh of course, @exacademic. The C bench is another example of a common myth. What makes the Ida Noyes story particularly charming is that it explains TWO phenomena at the U of C. Also, let’s face it: legends are fun and each school has its own particular twist that is unique to the school and, in many ways, helps describe the school. Each myth also tends to be grounded in some truth, which is what a myth is supposed to include. The mythological perpetual student, for instance, isn’t really far from reality - at least as of a few decades ago - simply because EVERYONE knew at least one nth year. The social skills deficits of poor Ida and Aristotle - and the supposed condemnation from peers and administrators - are touches that many at UChicago will identify with (not because everyone’s on the spectrum but because the place is known for its nerds). A bit of hyperbole added to an underlying description really helps to make a great legend.

Edit to add: I actually do think, as @Marlowe1 is implying, that the legends DO provide some hint of the essence.