The Athenian Oath

The Athenian Oath was recited by the citizens of Athens, Greece, more than 2000 years ago. It is frequently recited by civic leaders in modern times as a timeless code of civic responsibility, applicable at the local, national and global level.

Here at NYU Wagner, it is a tradition for our graduating masters and doctoral candidates to recite the oath upon graduating from the program.

We will never bring disgrace on this our City by an act of dishonesty or cowardice.

We will fight for the ideals and sacred things of the City both alone and with many.

We will revere and obey the City’s laws, and will do our best to incite a like reverence and respect in those above us who are prove to annul them or set them naught.

We will strive increasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty. In all these ways we will transmit this City, not only less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.