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Physical Work Helps to Develop Mind and Character, October
25
They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat
their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and
another eat; for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and
My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Isaiah 65:21, 22
, NKJV.
Now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should be instructed in the duties of
practical life. Each should acquire a knowledge of some branch of manual labor by
which, if need be, to obtain a livelihood. This is essential, not only as a safeguard
against the vicissitudes of life, but from its bearing upon physical, mental, and moral
development. Even if it were certain that one would never need to resort to manual
labor for support, still they should be taught to work. Without physical exercise
no one can have a sound constitution and vigorous health; and the discipline of
well-regulated labor is no less essential to the securing of a strong, active mind and
a noble character.
Students who have gained book knowledge without gaining a knowledge of
practical work cannot 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 employment 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.
The healthful exercise of the whole being will give an education that is broad
and comprehensive. Every student should devote a portion of each day to active
labor. Thus habits of industry will be formed and a spirit of self-reliance encouraged,
while the youth will be shielded from many evil and degrading practices that are so
often the result of idleness. And this is all in keeping with the primary object of
education; for in encouraging activity, diligence, and purity, we are coming into
harmony with the Creator....
The discipline for practical life that is gained by physical labor combined with
mental taxation is sweetened by the reflection that it is qualifying mind and body
better to perform the work that God designs human beings to do. The more perfectly
the youth understand how to perform the duties of practical life, the greater will
be their enjoyment day by day in being of use to others. The mind educated to
enjoy useful labor becomes enlarged; through training and discipline it is fitted
for usefulness; for it has acquired the knowledge essential to make its possessor a
blessing to others.—
Messages to Young People, 177-179
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