To the Editors of the CRIMSON:
Your editorial entitled "Low Grade System" seemed to me an entirely wrong approach of the problem. It represented an attempt to patch up a system which badly requires complete overhauling. As an external prod to effort, grades offer a cheap substitute (and an ineffective one at that) for the only incentive worth having: the student's interest and eagerness to learn. The student whose prime motive for studying is the attainment of good grades is not worth the College's time, anyhow.
All that is necessary for the college's welfare is to determine which students are unfit for academic training at all; a drastically reduced grading system could do that. If he is merely playing around at Harvard, throw him out; if he is serious and has minimal aptitude leave him alone.
The improvements you suggested would do little beyond making the assembly line run more smoothly. John Werner '47.
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