PROTECTIVE INTELLIGENCE. 



BY C. WARNER OAKLEY. 



A WILLFUL NEGLECT to acquire knowledge when we have 

 the opportunity to become from study, if not from observation, 

 reasonably intelligent, invites the impression that we are either un- 

 balanced in mind, or do not care to apply ourselves to any talk which 

 may curtail our frivolous fancies. Some might call the mere evasion 

 or avoidance of intellectual duties, an act of stupidness, and it would 

 seem quite proper to so estimate it, since the younger branches of 

 the human family often sup sorrow when they arrive at a responsible 

 age, and all because they have not equipped themselves with capacity 

 enough to earn a respectable living. The children of the wealthy 

 are of course educated, and can boast of many accomplishments, but 

 unless they are ambitious to be of some note in the community, their 

 tuition does not amount to more than a formal affair, its intended 

 purpose being thwarted by indolent habits and vain conceit. The 

 most useful moral being often subjected to ridicule in such circles, 

 and religion itself also liable to be classified as an arbitrary relic 

 always in opposition to personal enjoyments. The very lack of solid 

 intelligence contributes, in fact, to their detestation of any sedate rule 

 or discipline, or in plain parlance, the existence of a reverential dis- 

 position is rarely found among them. They lack that sensitiveness 

 which expresses itself, or proves without effort, that their education 

 has been a merciful privilege. They have not the desire to be thank- 

 ful so long as their avoidance of intelligent industry places them in 

 the way of corrupt pastimes, and being well acquainted with gratifi- 

 cations, and not yet introduced to deprivations, they indulge in an 

 unbusinesslike indifference — an unnatural disposal of time with some 

 expensive but unmanly stj'le of occupation. While the educated 

 world holds such trifles in contempt, it is sometimes surprised at the 

 development of real genius among intelligent people who are strictly 

 modest — almost painfully diffident — and who in a sort of secret way 

 select for themselves certain tasks for reflection which require close 



