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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
Instead of confining their study to that which men have said or
written, let students be directed to the sources of truth, to the vast fields
opened for research in nature and revelation. Let them contemplate
the great facts of duty and destiny, and the mind will expand and
strengthen. Instead of educated weaklings, institutions of learning
may send forth men strong to think and to act, men who are masters
and not slaves of circumstances, men who possess breadth of mind,
clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions.—
Education,
17, 18
(1903).
True Education Develops Character—The education and train-
ing of the youth is an important and solemn work. The great object to
be secured should be the proper development of character, that the in-
dividual may be fitted rightly to discharge the duties of the present life
[362]
and to enter at last upon the future, immortal life. Eternity will reveal
the manner in which the work has been performed. If ministers and
teachers could have a full sense of their responsibility, we should see a
different state of things in the world today. But they are too narrow in
their views and purposes. They do not realize the importance of their
work or its results.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:418
(1880).
Greatest Value Is to Build Character—The students [in the
Avondale school] work hard and faithfully. They are gaining in
strength of nerve and in solidity as well as activity of muscles. This is
the proper education which will bring forth from our schools young
men who are not weak and inefficient, who have not a one-sided
education, but an all-round physical, mental, and moral training.
The builders of character must not forget to lay the foundation
which will make education of the greatest value. This will require self-
sacrifice, but it must be done. The physical training will, if properly
conducted, prepare for mental taxation. But the one alone always
makes a deficient man.
The physical taxation combined with mental effort keeps the mind
and morals in a more healthful condition, and far better work is done.
Under this training students will come forth from our schools educated
for practical life, able to put their intellectual capabilities to the best use.
Physical and mental exercise must be combined if we would do justice
to our students. We have been working on this plan here [Australia]
with complete satisfaction, notwithstanding the inconvenience under
which students have to labor.—
Special Testimonies for Ministers and