The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1875-04-06

fore takes the most simple and direct
method Of satisfying his mental cravings,
Gradually, however, external influences
impair this simplicity and faith, He has
been laughed ator derided for not finding
out, or silenced by authority that ought
to have encouraged, and not repreised his
inquiring spirit, or deceived by false and
careless answers. He thus learns re-
ticencc, and from fear Of being ridiculcd,
or rcpulsed, or deceived, he forbears to
ask the questions that arise in his mind,
and thus seriously deminishes his OPP
portunities for improvement.
Now it Is an unquestionable fact that
education OF all kind flows into us more
celysthrough this channel than through
any other. No knowledge is 70 quickly
and thoroughly vitalized aud made part
OF III US that which is elected by the
earnest question. The mind is Just then
in exactly the condition to receive 1t, and
1t finds permanent lOdgment, where
ut other times ii would be blown away by
any passing wind. 1t becomes, then, Of
the first Importance to secure these favor.
able opportunities. Young persons,
especially, who have passed childhood,
though still full OF that curiosity which is
the soul ofprogress, are apt to be peculiar.
ly sensitive to the opinions Of others, and
anxious to secure their respect, and for
this reason frequently forego tho privil-
ege Of knowing, lest they should betray
their ignorance. They often listen at
teRtivcly and learn much in this way, but
when a point il touched which they do
not understand, instead Of simply asking
to have it cleared up, they shrink back
tlmidly, and the opportunity is gone.
Young persons are not alone liable to
commit this error. Every ono Ia con-
sCious at times Of the feeling, and to II is
due large proportion Of the prevailing
ignorance, even Of common and familiar
things. Could we overcome 1t and brave
ly acknowledge to others tho interiOrity
which We readily admit to ourselves, II
would quickly disappear, Ignorance il
the one thing Of all others that cannot en-
duro the light Of day. Hidden away in
silence and fear, 1t llOurishes, but brought
openly and fully into tho sunlight Of free
thought and discussion, 1t melts and
vanishes.
There Is another and even less exCus-
able hindranco to the salutary practice Of
asking questions which consists in the
Concei. with which some Of us arc afflicted.
There are those who find II difficult to be-
lieve that any ono can be betterinformed
than themselves. Sometimes II Is only on
one special subject that they consider
themselves to DO 80 thoroughly posted,
and sometimes the disease extends over
the whole range Of human affairs. LISA
truly pitiable sight to see one 80 saturated
with vanity that he really imagines that
no one is able to instruct him. lie must
reap the inevitable penalty Of continued
ignorance, rendered all the moro hopeless
by his unconsCiousness Of ii. Happily
such extreme cases are rare, yet some
thing Of this conccit dwells with each Of
us, and deprives us Of many improving
influences. There Is scarcely any one in
whose company we may be accidentally
thrown who Ia not capable OF instructing
us in something, II We will but draw him
out by questions that evince real desire
to learn. Nor can we tell how valuable
may be the Information thus gained. AC.
cumulated and laid away in The mind, 1t
becomes reserved force which will work
out It's results, though we may not fore
tell the time or mode. Much real pleas
ure is also given In this way, rs every
one is glad to speak on subjects which
deeply interest him and on which he feels
ut home, and conversation is thus elevated
md made valuable by eliciting the best
that Is in each.
It is true, there Is much questioning
that is Of n very different nature. Idle
curiosity and gossip, impertlnent intru.
sion into others affairs, and asuperCil-
ions vanity that only desires an opportu-
nifty to display It's own attachments, often
prompt useless and foolish questions
which should never be put. But very
little insight will enable lis to separate
the chat from the wheat, The habit Of
asking questions, which we here uphold,
must bo founded on the simple aud pure
desire for legitimate knowledge, and il the
very anlipodes Of all prying inquisitiye-
ness and Conccit. 1t has lis roots in II
modest spirit, and gladly welcomes every
refreshing, life.giYing influence. 1t Is
child.likC in It's purity and simplicity, yet
II Is most potent instrument In develop.
ing true manhood and womanhood. II
tho rightful asking Of questions be mn art
worthy Of cultivation, then their worthy
answering becomes matter Of equal I'M
portancp. Let us never slight the hum
blest qucstioner who approaches US in
earnestness, but gladly give him tic best
knowledge We have, and let tho many fail
ures we make to supply his needs be in