EDUCATION 
433 
every Statement is in some Sense disputable. Therefore 
in every Case, even the simplest, the Child should be 
taught not only the Thesis, but also its opposite , leaving 
the Decision to the child's own Judgment and good 
Sense, fortified by Experience. And this Practice will 
develop its Power of Thought, and its Confidence in 
itself, and its Interest in all Knowledge. But most of all 
beware against any Attempt to bias its Mind on any 
Point that lieth without the Square of ascertained and 
undisputed Fact. Remember also, even when thou art 
most sure, that so were they sure who gave instruction 
to the young Copernicus. Pay Reverence also to the 
Unknown unto whom thou presumest to impart thy 
Knowledge; for he may be one greater than thou. 
De Voluntate Juvenis Cognoscenda 
It is important that thou shouldst understand as early as 
may be what is the true Will of the Child in the Matter 
of his Career. Be thou well aware of all Ideals and 
Daydreams; for the Child is himself, and not thy Toy. 
Recall the comic Tragedy of Napoleon and the King of 
Rome; build not an House for a wild Goat, nor plant a 
Forest for the Domain of a Shark. But be thou vigilant 
for every Sign, conscious or unconscious , of the Will of 
the Child, giving him then all Opportunity to pursue the 
Path which he thus indicates . Learn this, that he, being 
young, will weary quickly of all false Ways, however 
pleasant they may be to him at the outset; but of the 
true Way he will not weary. This being in this Manner 
discovered, thou mayst prepare it for him perfectly ; for 
no man can keep all Roads open for ever. And to him 
making his Choice, explain how one may not travel far 
on anyone Road without a general Knowledge of 
Things apparently irrelevant. And with that he will 
understand , and bend him wisely to his Work.