A NATION OF KNOW-NOTHINGS

Our educational systems were successful in instilling a sense of the importance of math and science when threatened by Soviet domination in those areas. Perhaps in the 1990s, our educational institutions on all levels should recognize the importance of addressing those international and intercultural forces that move individuals and societies to behave as they do in a world in which coexistence and cooperation present a better alternative for the survival of civilization than does competition.

Perhaps through broader exposure in our educational institutions to the cultural values of other nations, leaders would emerge who are able to avoid international crises such as those encountered in the recent past: the Vietnam War, the Iranian hostage crisis, tensions in Central America and the crisis we are currently facing in the Middle East.

HARVEY R. LEVENSON

PROFESSOR, CAL POLY

San Luis Obispo