CHAPTER XV 



EDUCATION 



The situation of a free citizen of a modern nation is in 

 regard to morality abnormally difficult and responsible. 

 The human being thus proceeding unguided and with faith 

 swerving from the old revelations, stands in this matter in 

 a position of isolation without cooperative support. Un- 

 less he can perceive his destiny, and influence it by his will, 

 he must suffer. He will not be relieved from the moral 

 law of Nature because of any present ignorance or past 

 confusion in regard to it. Consequences still accumulate 

 upon his every action, and he is fortunate if he knows this 

 and realizes the duty of a search for such law as can be 

 understood. This search was never more active than now, 

 and never more modest. It is proceeding in a reverent 

 consciousness of the narrowness and littleness of the scope 

 of understanding, and with the confession that even this 

 little scope, discovers but a changeable truth. 



The complexity of life and the frequent need for prompt 

 action make it impossible to survey and discuss, in the light 

 of reason, all the motives and consequences of a proposed 

 act, and so reach a judgment of its right or wrong character. 

 Intellect and understanding, aided by memory of experi- 

 ences, and by educational knowledge of the experience of 

 others, all go to make clearer the law of conduct, and the 

 consequences, and even to establish determinations and habits 



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