In Finland, The Doctor's Sword is a symbol for the scientist's fight for what he or she, in rigorous research, has found to be good, right and true. We should have a similar tradition in the USA.

Let's face it. Intellectualism is not getting the respect it deserves in this country. Awarding a sword would be symbolic of the trust and responsibility placed on the shoulders of serious scholars.

Additionally, PhD students work very hard. Universities should start showing them some more love. Upon graduation, we are asking universities to award custom, functional, well made swords to those who achieve this high measure of academic excellence. This will help symbolize the importance of defending the truth and the seriousness of their accomplishment.