If a man knows, or thinks he knows, a few facts, he will naturally use those facts for the purpose of determining the accuracy of his opinions on other subjects. It is natural for a man not governed by fear, to use what he knows in one department of human inquiry, in every other department that he investigates. The average of intelligence has in the last few years greatly increased. Man may have as much credulity as he ever had, on some subjects, but certainly on the old subjects he has less. There is not as great difference to-day between the members of the learned professions and the common people.
Man is governed less and less by authority.
He cares but little for the conclusions of the universities. If the learned can thus disagree, there is no reason why the common people should hold to one opinion. So in law. The average business man has an exceedingly good idea of the law affecting his business. They are no longer the victims of doctors, or of lawyers, or of courts.