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Jacob Michael Davis |
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7/2/04 To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to write on behalf of Jacob Davis. I have known Jacob for approximately six years primarily in the capacity of a professor-student relationship. Jacob would rank in the top ten per cent of the students I have taught over the past twenty years. He is articulate without being verbose, critical without being unpleasant and intellectual without making others feel uncomfortable. He is perhaps the only undergraduate student I have had, who could demonstrate a working knowledge of the German philosopher, G.W.F. Hegel—impressive, very impressive indeed. Jacob is bound for graduate school and will someday take his rightful place in the academy. I have always been impressed with Jacob’s love for and fascination with the East. He was always reading primary sources, which were not assigned, relating to Taoist, Confucian or Zen Buddhist thought. He strikes me as one who possesses the demeanor of the Eastern gentleman—reserved, resourceful, and respectful but always in control and never, never brash or ostentatious. He has and will continue to function well in Japan or China. I believe one of Jacob’s strongest traits in his desire to continue to learn. He knows that one life-time is never sufficient to learn what one should know. So, he is content to be a learner his whole life. He knows also that humility is the key, which unlocks the treasures of the world’s knowledge. It is when we are willing to learn, when we think so much of a culture that we are willing to submit ourselves to it that real learning takes place. He does that and will continue and in so doing has much to offer those around him. He will be a wise teacher because of this. As you can see, I am a cheerleader for Jacob. He will do well in anything he puts his mind to do. And, not only will he continue to benefit, but those around him will also. Sincerely, T. J. Mashburn, B.A.; M.Div.;
M.Th.; D.Phil.
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