These two elements must be combined by judicious training. The power sought should enable us to think consecutively, to utilize judiciously, and to control and direct our mental and moral forces. In every act of the body and mind we expend energy. This energy is the life element, the vital force, which enables us to achieve success and obtain happiness. We should not study merely to get the answer , but rather to understand the topic in all its relations.
Strength is gathered by mental exercise, by acquiring and applying the new knowledge.
The effort in learning should be compared to the exercise of the athlete instead of the work of the haymaker. Rather than aim at the product , we aim at the healthful, intelligent effort put forth. The student needs to acquire habits of thoroughness. He should go to the bottom of the problem and master the cause and effect. Thoroughness does not imply reading all that may be said on a topic, but rather to read each sentence carefully, thoughtfully, and understandingly.