Article #60 - Thinking for Ourselves

            Although the journal has been in successful operation for more than a year the question has been asked and yet remains unanswered: What are its objects, and how is it to be supported? Its highest object is the development of mind; and it is to obtain its support from the members or those interested in the Lyceum. Tis true that a more interesting journal may be made by making selections from the best authors; and the editor, who pursues this plan is of course justifiable if he or she does not receive communications from the members – indeed there is no other alternative. But this course clearly frustrates the highest intentions of the journal. For be it remembered that it succeeds in its object – man’s development – not in proportion as it is interesting and instructive to its readers or hearers, but in proportion as it has required mental effort in its production and effort diffused as widely as possible among the members or others interested in the association. The greatest impediment to intellectual advancement is that we think too little for ourselves. We depend upon others too much for our opinions. There is enough of reading done, enough of lectures attended and enough of Lyceums sustained in many communities to make every one, as far as such organizations can, a thorough scholar. But in many instances they all sadly fail of effecting any beneficial result for the very same reason that the parrot which has been taught to utter unmeaningly a great number of words, fails to make any intellectual advancement. The bird, with all the strutting importantce that pedantry can assume, that is proud to repeat, reiterate to every passer by the syl[l]ables it has learned; So too men parade the words of others and zealously contend for them without knowing what they mean. Thus spring up the animosity of parties, and every party full of ticketed men who belong not...

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