People at Brown are unusually interested in other people. They take the time to talk and to listen. Brown has a culture of reaching out to others, a culture that is easily linked to the idealistic principles of the open curriculum. The Brown curriculum prods students not just to learn what they choose but also to use that learning to make a positive difference in the world.

No wonder so many Brown students are eager to volunteer their time teaching, or doing research in community health, or working in shelters, or canvassing for the environment. Through such activities, students live out the historic mission of the institution, by leading lives "of usefulness and reputation."