Elements of the philosophy of the human mind. By Dugald Stewart. Rev. and abridged, with critical and explanatory notes, for the use of colleges and schools. By Francis Bowen ...

16 INTRODUCTION.
complete and generous, which" (in the language of Milton)
"fits a man to perform justly, skilfully, and magnanimously, all
the offices, both private and public, of peace and of war."
I hope it will not be supposed, from the foregoing observations, that they are meant to recommend an indiscriminate attention to all the objects of speculation and of action. Nothing
can be more evident, than the necessity of limiting the field of
our exertion, if we wish to benefit society by our labors. But
it is perfectly consistent with the most intense application to
our favorite pursuit, to cultivate that general acquaintance with
letters and with the world which may be sufficient to enlarge
the mind, and to preserve it from any danger of contracting the
pedantry of a particular profession. In many cases, (as was
already remarked,) the sciences reflect light on each other;
and the general acquisitions, which we have made in other pursuits, may furnish us with useful helps for the further prosecution of our own. But even in those instances in which the case
is otherwise, and in which these liberal accomplishments must
be purchased by the sacrifice of a part of our professional eminence, the acquisition of them will amply repay any loss we
may sustain. It ought not to be the leading object of any one,
to become an eminent metaphysician, mathematician, or poet,
but to render himself happy as an individual, and an agreeable,
a respectable, and a useful member of society. A man who
loses his sight, improves the sensibility of his touch; but who
would consent, for such a recompense, to part with the pleasures
which he receives from the eye?
Light thrown by the philosophy of mind upon the theory and
practice of education. - It is almost unnecessary for me to remark, how much individuals would be assisted in the proper and
liberal culture of the mind, if they were previously led to take
a comprehensive survey of human nature in all its parts; of its
various faculties, and powers, and sources of enjoyment, and of
the effects which are produced on these principles by particular
situations. It is such a knowledge alone of the capacities of
the mind, that can enable a person to judge of his own acquisitions, and to employ the most effectual means for supplying his