Article #43 - Why do not all unite in an effort to promote the objects of education?

            I have not time, say some; I have more to do already than I can get done, of buisiness [sic] callings. In answer to such replies we hear some say that people should not work all their time, but should improve their minds; that it was more important to possess a good education, and a cultivated mind, than to accumulate wealth. Whatever may be the comparative importance of the two, I will not consider; but will say that to possess certain knowledge, improve the mind and promote other objects of educationis important; and that this can be done, without neglecting any other duties; or in other words, each may do all they now do; promote this object and do more besides. How can this be done? Simply by increasing the capacities of each one; this is by giving strength to them that labour, skill and ingenuity to the mechanic and artist; and developing the mental faculties of those that follow mental persuits [sic] by a thorough education and development of all the mental, moral, and physical, conditions, nature, and faculties of man that qualify, influence, and govern him in all his labours, persuits and actions. But how can the man who works all his time do more than he now does? Suppose he is [a] farmer, and directing the whole of his energies toward the profits of his persuit; let us consider the object he has in view will depend not only upon the strength that he possesses to labour, but much will also depend upon the application of that strength; as with the aid of improved implements and machinery more can be done than without them; just as a man with a cradle can cut more grain than he can in the same time with a sycle [sic], or with a horse rake can gather more hay than with a hand rake, or with a machine can thresh out more grain than with a spade; and so in all the persuits and business of life, the improvements in the arts and discoveries in the sciences render the application of labour more effective.

[The writer goes on to illustrate the above assertion, with examples drawn from farm problems like potato rot, cutworm, etc., which could be overcome through study and education. Also,

people could work more effectively if they knew more about principles of health. Education will also furnish greater motive, which will spur people to increased results and sharpen mental

powers, helping them to work more effectively. As for those who claim they haven’t enough time for Lyceum, if they would take some time to learn basics, they would find it easier to

increase their knowledge. Besides, a lot of time is wasted in “frivolity and fashion” which could be more profitably spent in learning. He gives as examples Napoleon and Julius Caesar, whose powers of mind enabled them to accomplish great tasks in relatively little time. Also, he urges that more money be spent on education, which gives the greatest return.]