NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM—1965 705 
for by a committee of oceanographers who published a brochure on the ideal 
education for an oceanographer. Unfortunately this young man overlooked the 
essential requirement that he have at least one solid field of specialization. 
As a result, when he presented himself for admission to graduate school, he was 
unacceptable for admission because no professor would concede that he had the 
background for any one subject. Perhaps the story is apocryphal -- but it does 
serve as a warning that diversity of knowledge must not be confused with dif- 
fusion of effort. Anything in excess is bad for the system -- including too much 
salt or water. 
While no one wants to discourage young people, it is only fair to remind 
them that many are called but few are chosen -- but if the call is strong and the 
response adequate, there is a good chance of being chosen. It is inevitable that 
our national effort in oceanography will increase, for we have barely begun to 
study the »%ceans and our future will depend much more on our understanding of 
vuhe oeans the? it will upon bringing back samples of moon duste 
Joel W. Hedgpeth - 
35-377 O—64_—\_46 
