Rejoinder to the "Reply" of the Hon. Horace Mann, Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, to the "Remarks" of the Association of

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1845 edition. Excerpt: ... for knowledge, itself receives not such nourishment as will give strength and energy to its faculties. No argument is necessary to prove that this tendency must be counteracted, that the power of attention must be cultivated, and proper habits established, before the pupil can be expected to pursue successfully the path of learning. Indeed, whatever be his lot in life, even though in some humble sphere, he be denied all opportunity of searching out the mysteries of science, or of seeking the embellishments of literature, yet the ordinary pursuits of business and the common discharge of duty, will place obstacles in his way, which can be surmounted only by strenuous mental exertion. In any event, then, it is the development of mental power at which we should aim in the intellectual training of the young. The true idea of such training is often presented in the history of self-educated men. Attended by adverse circumstances, and not unfrequently denied the common facilities of learning, we find them struggling with unyielding endurance for the acquirement of knowledge. Constant exercise gives force and vigor to the intellect, and severe application, that irresistible power of concentration which enables it to exert the united energies of its facultiea upon the object of its attention. Thus the mind gains activity at the same lime that it gains strength, and a deeper thirst for knowledge with an increased ability to acquire it. This is precisely the end to be attained in elementary instruction. The perceptive and reflective powers are to be developed, that the mind may be prepared for the emergencies of life, that reason may hold fitting sway over the imagination and the sympathies, and the whole intellect be trained to full and harmonious action...