The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-04-12

nearest approach to knowledge when we
have the least possible concern about the
body" If the satisfying of bodily needs
| and desires so interfered with the ac-
QUESTION of knowledge in Socrates day,
| how much more are they likely to divert
attention from mental and spiritual
science and the more correct under
standing of truth and the cultivation of
| the mind in these later times, when man
has wrought out so many inventions!
To be sure, knowledge is more readily
acquired now than in the days of old,
| but in many respects we are not much
! wiser or better. We have the truths
which the philosophers of past centuries
have thought out; but, with the advan-
| tages of this accumulated wisdom, are
the discoveries of unrevealed laws
and truths in these later times common
surate with our advantages and oppor-
| tunities? The present generations nave
| lived in an age prolific of discoveries of
| things of practical utility in the every
day affairs of life, and which contribute
| much to mans physical comfort and en-
| joyment, and his advancing civilization.
But life has become less simple; tempta-
tons have multiplied with mans lnven-
tions-perhapS we have become little
too materialin our research and discover
les. But it may also be true that these
discoveries OF the past century, result
ing in the production of so many things
material, have been necessary, with the
worlds increased population. for mans
working out the ultimate design In his
creation.
And it is not improbable that succeed
ing generations will devote more time
and attention to the discovery of alb
stract truths in reference TO unrevealed
laws governing mind and matter. Those
who know the most, who have explored
furthest the domains of knowledge, and
who have dug deepest in the mines of
truth, most realize how little has yet
been accomplished and how infinite is
the sphere of the movable and
unknown.
Such persons nearest understand how
this material body impedes the minds
PROCESS in penetrating into the domain
of more perfect understanding. But,
considering all the existing barriers and
diverting influences in the way, IL is
truly wonderful how much some minds
have accomplished in discovering and
unfolding to others the before-hidden
and unrevealed in nature. Nor Is it
strange that some minds of more than
ordinary capacity are subjected to the
unrest of hopeless thirst for knowledge,
discouraged by contemplation of its in
finite scope of truth, their own many
distracting cares. are their limited OPP
portunities; or that the effort of many
minds is wasted in futile, desultory at
tempts to explore too many fields of
knowledge.
Happy that mind, thirsting for knowl-
edge, which is content, still re
leased from the chains of the
body" to limit its research
and special efforts to that department of
knowledge, that volume in the "infinite
book of nature" for which taste, in
clination and natural fitness has best en-
dowed it. The specialist in any line of
research accomplishes most and is doubt
less most useful and happy. The geolo
gist botonist, etc, devoted to their voca-
tons, would not exchange places with
earth's greatest potentates, or those who
have achieved distinction by the acquisi-
ton of wealth or power. The student of
nature, absorbed in his work and in
structing others, is one to be envied his
position in life; Those compelled or sal
isfied to plod and toll for mere physical
existence are most to be pitled.
KRATS,