Phi Beta Kappa

Zeta Chapter of Illinois

In Self-trust all the virtues are comprehended.  Free should the scholar be—free and brave.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson: The American Scholar, 1837

The Key

The present day gold key incorporates the letters S P and the original symbols, the pointing finger and three stars, much as they appeared on the original 18^thCentruy William and Mary medal.  S P stands for the Latin words Societas Philosophiae.  Phi Beta Kappa represents the initials of the Greek motto “Love of wisdom, the guide of life”  A pointing finger and three stars symbolize the ambition of the young scholars and the three distinguishing principles of their Society—friendship, morality, and literature [learning].

Visit Our National Web Site: http://www.pbk.org