Select a torch and submit a short essay (250 words maximum) on the qualities that torch represents and how it is a part of something you personally value.
Here are the names of the three torches and their ideals:
Vires, which stands for physical, moral, and intellectual Strength;
Artes, which symbolizes knowledge, the appreciation of beauty, and Skill; and
Mores, which represents custom, tradition, and Character.
Vires
Vires, Artes, Mores. These three words represent the ideals that The Florida State University hopes to instill in each of the new 'Noles which walk its hallowed halls. The notion of Vires, or strength, is an ideal that I hold with much esteem. Strength, to me, is not used solely in reference to physical strength, but mental and moral strength as well. The different strengths are qualities which I have drawn upon throughout my life time, and qualities which will be tested as each new student embarks upon a new journey this year.
Vires is a valuable quality because if one can uphold physical, moral, and intellectual strength, I believe that they are truly ready to face any challenge which they might face. This year I, as well as my fellow classmates, will face many challenges, both big and small. We will be exposed to new people, new situations, and new experiences; however with the Vires quality in mind and heart we will be able to overcome all of these with grace.
Vires, Artes, and Mores are qualities inscribed upon the Florida State University seal, and each has value. Vires represents all kinds of strength: physical, moral, and mental. With the spirit of the Vires quality in mind I believe that I will be able to overcome all of the new challenges I am sure to face as I embark upon the new chapter of my life this year.
Artes
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it," (Confucius). The ability to find the beauty in everything is the driving factor of the Artes torch. The yearning for more of the beauty and wonder of knowledge is what led all of us here, to The Florida State University.
The appreciation of beauty is something that I have recently found the importance of. I am a victim of a twentieth century life style: fast paced. I used to view everything as a mean to an end, a competition to see who the best was, and who would be most successful, because obviously success meant happiness. However, I have now come to the realization that the happiest people around me were not always the most accomplished, or who worked the highest paying jobs, but rather those who took the time to appreciate the beauty in simply waking up each morning. The idea of Artes and the appreciation of that beauty has become one of the most important ideals in my life because it has led me to a happier peace of mind.
The Florida State University wants to instill in each new Seminole the ideals of Vires, Artes, and Mores. I believe that Artes is the most important of the three because it represents the appreciation of beauty, continual seeking of knowledge, and development of skill. Each of these, as I have recently realized, allow us to appreciate what we are given each day, and in the end achieve ultimate happiness.
Mores
Everyone has traditions in their life which have guided and formed our character. The torch of the Mores embodies the ideals of custom, traditions and character. I believe that the spirit of Mores is extremely important and will become increasingly important we take our first steps into adulthood. As we move away from our parents and loved ones we will now have the opportunity to develop our own traditions and customs, and most importantly opportunity to begin to shape and reshape our character.
The Florida State University seeks out students of good character and good merit, students who represent the torch of Mores. This torch is the most important ideal because in essence who we are at our core is our character, and the idea of Mores is that we must develop our character as we grow and learn with our time here at Florida State.
Our character and who we are is the most important thing in life. This time, as we begin our adulthood here at The Florida State University is when we begin to forge our character, create our own traditions and learn from other's customs. Mores represents the idea of growth and creation of who we are as people, and how The Florida State University and fellow Seminoles will help in that creation.
Thank you!!!
