The compelled sometimes rises into true or attracted attention by kindling an interest in the subject, and the latter sinks into the former with the disappearance of interest. Teacher and textbook may be full of knowledge, but the learner will get from them only as much as his power of attention enables him to shape his mind. It is among these felt attractions or repulsions that the self-moving mind finds its motives. The inattentive mind hears no voice and sees no vision when words are spoken. The sense had done its work, but the mind was busy with other thoughts.
Great occasions make men great.
Unsuspected reserve powers come forth as soon as the demand is large enough. With deepening interest, attention deepens, and the mind's reserve powers come into work. The sources of interest, which are the approaches to attention, are as numerous as the faculties and desires of man and the subjects he studies. Each organ of sense is the gateway to the pupil's mind. An infant is lured by a bit of bright ribbon and will cease crying to gaze upon some strange object swung before his eyes.