1). What is the most important premise of this article- in your mind?
I believe the premise of this article is to cause within the reader self-reflection. To have them examine what they believe to be valuable, good and virtuous characteristics in a man; the question of whether or not they celebrate moral character above mental intellect.
I feel that Erskine would show that goodness and intellect may dwell in harmony within the heart of one man; that both are desirable in order to live a full life; and that action is separate from the man.
2). How can this article help you in your family's education?
I have always valued wholesome and moral character. And that is what I have desired for my children- as well as for myself. But this article has shown me that knowledge is just as vital to the composition of a whole man as character is. There are many virtues- and intelligence should be numbered among them.
I have also seen that knowledge lifts our desires to higher levels. And that we are enabled to face the many challenges of life when we have intellect as our guide. Perhaps this is because we have exposure to the great minds and wonderful ideas of others, rather than being left to our own minds. In Bendigo Shafter by Louis L'Amour, he speaks of the importance of furnishing our minds with great thoughts and ideas. And that this furnishing is the responsibility of each one of us. For no one has the access, ability or power to do it but ourselves. Here is the quote, "A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner, so if one's life is cold and bare he can blame none but himself. [We] have a chance to select from some pretty elegant furnishings."
3). What is the value of reading this article?
To persuade and call into question what we believe to be true about education. Erskine shows that goodness is not the only key to happiness- nor does it ensure it. This article instills the desire to be prepared by gaining intelligence. And we must use every opportunity and resource available to increase in our knowledge. Because both goodness and knowledge are needed for securing what is necessary for a complete life. We must be constantly seeking and pondering and evaluating ourselves in order to progress. And I felt that a very important point to consider is that questioning and seeking are, in nature, godly.
I believe the premise of this article is to cause within the reader self-reflection. To have them examine what they believe to be valuable, good and virtuous characteristics in a man; the question of whether or not they celebrate moral character above mental intellect.
I feel that Erskine would show that goodness and intellect may dwell in harmony within the heart of one man; that both are desirable in order to live a full life; and that action is separate from the man.
2). How can this article help you in your family's education?
I have always valued wholesome and moral character. And that is what I have desired for my children- as well as for myself. But this article has shown me that knowledge is just as vital to the composition of a whole man as character is. There are many virtues- and intelligence should be numbered among them.
I have also seen that knowledge lifts our desires to higher levels. And that we are enabled to face the many challenges of life when we have intellect as our guide. Perhaps this is because we have exposure to the great minds and wonderful ideas of others, rather than being left to our own minds. In Bendigo Shafter by Louis L'Amour, he speaks of the importance of furnishing our minds with great thoughts and ideas. And that this furnishing is the responsibility of each one of us. For no one has the access, ability or power to do it but ourselves. Here is the quote, "A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner, so if one's life is cold and bare he can blame none but himself. [We] have a chance to select from some pretty elegant furnishings."
3). What is the value of reading this article?
To persuade and call into question what we believe to be true about education. Erskine shows that goodness is not the only key to happiness- nor does it ensure it. This article instills the desire to be prepared by gaining intelligence. And we must use every opportunity and resource available to increase in our knowledge. Because both goodness and knowledge are needed for securing what is necessary for a complete life. We must be constantly seeking and pondering and evaluating ourselves in order to progress. And I felt that a very important point to consider is that questioning and seeking are, in nature, godly.