Plenty of homely and simple virtues are inculcated in Harry and
Lucy; but the attitude of mind that must inevitably result from
such an education is hard, complacent, and superior. The children
are scolded out of superficial vanities, and their place is
occupied by a satanical sort of pride--the pride of possessing
correct information.
What does one want to make of one's own children? One wants them to
be generous, affectionate, simple-minded, just, temperate in the
moral region. In the intellectual region, one desires them to be
alert, eager, independent, perceptive, interested. I like them to
ask a hundred questions about what they see and hear. I want them
to be tender and compassionate to animals and insects. As for
books, I want them to follow their own taste, but I surround them
only with the best; but even so I wish them to have minds of their
own, to have preferences, and reasons for their preferences. I do
not want them to follow my taste, but to trust their own. I do not
in the least care about their amassing correct information. It is
much better that they should learn how to use books. It is very
strange how theories of education remain impervious to development.
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