Balance in Education
289
Workers 4, August 27, 1895, 16.
(
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
Workers, 241
.)
Many Fail to Understand True Principles—Many students are
in so great haste to complete their education that they are not thorough
in anything which they undertake. Few have sufficient courage and
self-control to act from principle. Most students fail to understand
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the true object of education, and hence fail to take such a course as to
secure this object. They apply themselves to the study of mathematics
or the languages, while they neglect a study far more essential to the
happiness and success of life. Many who can explore the depths of the
earth with the geologist or traverse the heavens with the astronomer
show not the slightest interest in the wonderful mechanism of their own
bodies. Others can tell just how many bones there are in the human
frame and correctly describe every organ of the body, and yet they are
as ignorant of the laws of health and the cure of disease as though life
were controlled by blind fate instead of definite and unvarying law.—
The Signs of the Times, June 29, 1892
. (
Fundamentals of Christian
Education, 71, 72
.)
Education Is Not of Brain Alone—Students who have gained
book knowledge without gaining a knowledge of practical work can-
not lay claim to a symmetrical education. The energies that should
have been devoted to business of various lines have been neglected.
Education does not consist in using the brain alone. Physical employ-
ment is a part of the training essential for every youth. An important
phase of education is lacking if the student is not taught how to engage
in useful labor.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 307,
308
(1913).
Physical and Mental to Be Equally Taxed—Much has been said
and written in regard to the importance of training the mind for its
highest service. This has sometimes led to the opinion that if the
intellect is educated to put forth its highest powers, it will strengthen
the physical and moral nature for the development of the whole man.
Time and experience have proved this to be an error. We have seen
men and women go forth as graduates from college who were in no
way qualified to make a proper use of the wonderful physical organism
with which God had provided them. The whole body is designed for
action, not for inaction.
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