CHAPTER IV. 



THE HOPE OF THE FARMER. 



THE present generation has the means to produce com- 

 fortable subsistence for all. I do not know that this 

 is or can be scientifically settled, but I think no one 

 disputes it, and I shall assume it. This subsistence, however, 

 is very unequally distributed. Looking into this further, we 

 see that in the long run those who know most have most; 

 those who know most about matters which directly concern 

 their own income have most money, accumulating a surplus 

 which they can not use; those who know most about things 

 which affect the incomes of mankind generally, have most 

 honor, usually in addition assuring themselves of comfortable 

 subsistence. Knowledge which affects nobody's income is 

 worthless, and is not sought. 



It is best to make clear this money value of knowledge. 

 Of course all I can say may be admitted in advance, and yet 

 those who admit it may not after all know it, because real 

 knowledge inevitably influences action. We do not touch a 

 red-hot stove, because we know it will burn us. If in that 

 sense we knew the danger of ignorance, which is just as real, 

 we should strive for knowledge at any cost. The only real 

 knowledge is that which we habitually and unconsciously act 

 upon. Any so-called knowledge wdiich comes short of that is 

 mere vague impression, unavailable for practical use. Now. 

 although it can not be actually demonstrated, I am sure that 

 the incomes of those engaged in any business vary almost in 

 a direct ratio with the number of essential facts pertaining to 

 that business which they know accurately and certainly. Of 

 course it is true that individuals greatly vary in cai)acity and 

 vigor, but then it is the smart and strong who know. All that 

 the weaker and less capable can do to maintain equality is t( 

 study more hours, to toil more nights and days. It is knowl- 



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