哈佛早期的校训是“察验真理”(Veritas [1643年])、“荣耀归于基督”(In Christ Gloriam [1650]),以及“为基督•为教会”(Christo et Ecclesiae [1692年]).哈佛早期印章展示三本翻开的书本,两本面向上,一本面向下,象征着理性(reason)与启示(revelation)之间的动力关系.哈佛的一份最早期文献——1642年的学院法例——如此写道："让每一位学生都认真考虑以认识神并耶稣基督为永生之源(约17:3),作为他人生与学习的主要目标,因而以基督作为一切正统知识和学习的惟一基础.所有人既看见主赐下智慧,便当在隐密处认真借着祷告寻求他的智慧." 美国建国后,消灭了基督宗教专制,实现了宗教信仰自由,以后追求真理和发展科学文化教育的事业才逐渐兴盛起来,哈佛大学校训最终被确定为“真理”（Veritas）. “与柏拉图为友,与亚里士多德为友,与真理为友”并不是哈佛的校训.
或许这再一次印证任何人每一次的成功背后都有不为人知的付出和汗水. 每当觉得坚持不下去时,就看看它. 哈佛大学图书馆馆训:
1．现在睡觉的话会做梦,而现在学习的话会让梦实现
This moment will nap, you will have a dream; But this moment study,you will inte－rpret a dream.
2．我无所事事地度过的今天是昨天死去的人们所奢望的明天
I leave uncultivated today, was precisely yesterday perishes tomorrow which person of the body implored.
3．感到晚了的时候其实是最快的时候
Thought is already is late, exactly is the earliest time.
4．不要把今天的事拖到明天
Not matter of the today will drag tomorrow.
5．学习的痛苦是一时的,而没有学习的痛苦是一辈子的
Time the study pain is temporary, has not learned the pain is life-long.
6．学习不是人生的全部,但连学习都征服不了,你还能做什么?
The study certainly is not the life complete. But, since continually life part of - studies also is unable to conquer, what butalso can make?
7．学习不是因为缺少时间而是缺少努力
Studies this matter, not lacks the time, but is lacks diligently.
8．所有人的成功都不是偶然的,那需要彻底的自控能力和意志.
Nobody can casually succeed, it comes from the thorough self-control and the will.
9.无法避免的痛苦就去享受吧!
Please enjoy the pain which is unable to avoid.
10．早起的鸟儿有虫吃
Only has compared to the others early, diligently diligently, can feel the succe－ssful taste.
11．成功并不属于每个人
Nobody can casually succeed
12.时间在流逝
HOW time flies
13.今天流下的口水将变成明天流下的泪水
Now drips the saliva, will become tomorrow the tea
