Preface 



This volume is written in order that the world may know 

 more of the spirit and philosophy of one of its great bene- 

 factors. His, vision and his heart power reached into every 

 farm home and through t*hat home he beheld the welfare of 

 civilization. He had a plan of action and a program of work 

 for every member of the farm family. He saw, too, how, by 

 thrift, energy and co-operation, the father, mother, son and 

 daughter could contribute to the support of the family and to 

 the advancement and upbuilding of the best in human affairs. 

 Furthermore, he organized all the forces of opinion and en- 

 deavor in the communities in the contributory activities of the 

 demonstration and its development. Likewise the institutions 

 of the State and Nation were shown how their material and 

 spiritual resources could be used in the evolution. 



Dr. Knapp loved the common man. He believed in the 

 dignity of purposeful work and the democracy of opportunity 

 to grow, to achieve and to help. In a rare degree he had the 

 ability to idealize the material things and to spiritualize the 

 common place and ordinary duties of life. Many thousands 

 have caught his message because he did not approach them 

 with abstractions. 



The author has carried with him, in the study of Dr. 

 Knapp 's work, and in the preparation of these pages, an 

 affectionate friendship and a sincere admiration. He desires 

 to felicitate all those who may read what Dr. Knapp wrote and 

 learn what he taught. 



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