Magick Without Tears

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.