Beyond Knowledge: The Pursuit of Wisdom
In the early years of World War II, before his madness and impending defeat consumed him, Hitler would talk through the night on a vast array of subjects. His paranoia was such that two stenographers were required to record every word, ensuring he was never misquoted. The breadth of his discussions was extraordinary—spanning the treasures of the Leningrad Hermitage, the origins of Spartan gruel, the future of monarchies, the British in India, the iniquity of lawyers, the Swiss as hoteliers, meteorology, the importance of typing in primary schools, architecture design, the standardisation of electrical voltages, bats, earthworms, and even humanity’s aversion to snakes.
His encyclopedic knowledge was largely self-acquired, yet it was utterly devoid of wisdom. It is a sobering reminder that education must be more than the mere accumulation of facts. Despite Socrates’ belief that knowledge leads to virtue, history repeatedly proves the opposite—we can know what is right and still do what is wrong. True education must go beyond information; it must cultivate wisdom.
Wisdom is the fruit of experience, reflection, and moral grounding. A proper education fosters not just intelligence, but discernment. It encourages the habit of questioning where others remain silent, of considering consequences before acting, and of always asking not just what but why and to what end. At Marist, we strive to shape young men who are not merely well-informed, but morally conscious—agents of light rather than points of darkness. We want our students to view integrity, compassion, and justice not as abstract ideals or social niceties, but as fundamental values that anchor their decisions in all areas of life, whether in business, the media, or their relationships with others.
This week, we will celebrate the academic achievements of the Class of 2024, honouring our top ten performing students who demonstrated outstanding commitment to their studies along with our best VET student. We congratulate College Dux, Hamzah Rushaidat, who achieved an ATAR of 99.85, and Proxime Accessit, Benjamin Rothenfluh, with an ATAR of 99.35 and Thomas Whalan for receiving top VET honours. We look forward to hearing Hamzah’s address to the College at the assembly.
Yet behind these accomplishments of the class of 2024 stands something even more significant: a partnership between our dedicated staff and the families who have nurtured and supported their sons throughout their schooling. It has been a privilege to witness each young man’s growth—intellectually, morally, and spiritually. For educators, this shared journey is deeply rewarding, and we are immensely proud of the graduates of 2024.
As they step into the next phase of their lives, we hope they take with them not just knowledge, but wisdom—the ability to discern right from wrong and the courage to choose what is good. In an age where information is abundant, true wisdom remains rare. It is our hope that the young men of Marist will carry this wisdom into the world and use it to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service.
