Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-07-12
THEINFLUENCE OF BOOKS
Prof McLean's Advice TO Both
Old and Young.
Judge Man nv What He Reads-The
Power OF Concentration Is Nsces-
sary TO All Who Desire TO
Bo Cultured.

books he reads, a. well as by the com
pany he keeps. for there is compan-
ionship of books as well as of men, and
one should always live in the best com
pany, whether it .be of books or men.
All dangerous, useless irrcligiOus,
trashy and sensational books should be
avoided, says the Jewish Messenger,
not only as a sinful waste of time. but
because such reading is demoralizing
TO the taste for fine culture Such
works are the poison weeds in the field
of literature.
Ignorance is the curse of God;
knowledge the wings whcrewith we fly
to heaven" knowledge cannot be
stolen from us. 1t cannot be pur-
chased or sold. We may be insolvent,
and the sheriff may come and sell our
effects and leave us both homeless and
pennilcss. but ne cannot lay the laws
hand upon the jewelry of our minds
Endeavor to accumulate a choice and
well-selected library, and add TO it con-
stantly as fast as your circumstances
will permit. Money spent for good
books is always well spent, and the in
vestment will afford more profit, com
III anu Improvement Nldl any Ollltl
possibly can. Books introduce us into
the best society; they by their perusal
bring us into the presence of the great
est minds that have ever lived. We
have what they said and did, we par
ticipate in their thoughts, their expc-
rience becomes ours, and we feel as if
they were onr friends.
Genius is rare gift. but every man
has talents of some kind. and all may
acquire tact. Most of what men call
genius is a talent for hard work. No
greatness was ever acquired without
patient, persistent and well-directed
labor.
The superficial person who has a
smattering of SO many things, but
knows nothing we'll, may pride himself
upon his gifts. but the wise man hum
bly, confesses, like Newton. that he has
only been engaged in picking shells
upon the shore while the great ocean
of truth extends,it itself all uncXplorcd
before him.
The most efficient culture of all re-
solves itself into self-culture The edu-
cation received at school and college is
but beginning, and is mainly valu-
able in SO far that il trains us in the
habit Of continuous application and
facilitates Self-education after a def
mite plan and system. Economy of
time is as necessary TO the student as 10
the business man. Take an inventory
of your time as you would of your
capital, in order that you may invest il
wisely. Lay aside certain number of
hours every day for regular study and
reading.
1t Is only by meditation that a man
can understand himself. Yet all other
knowledge without this is splendid ig-
norance. Close examination will be req
uisite for the forming of true opinion
of ones own powers, temper and dis
position. Ignorance and self-conceit
tend TO make us overrate our personal
ability. Common sense is defined a.
sound practical Judgment; the prompt
decision of imperverted reason. 1t is
practical wisdom applied TO everyday
affairs. The possession of sound com
mon sense is rare and valuable gift.
and can only be acquired by thorough
selfknowledge and judicious mental
culture.
Moral and intellectual philosophy is
not only useful and practical study,
but IL affords valuable means of high
culture and mental development II
teaches the principle of sound reason
Ing and enables the student TO cultivate
those habits Of correct thought which
are as necessary TO success in life.
However, by attempting too many
studies the student incurs the risk of
becoming superficial, and by devoting
too much time to a single study he
must neglect others. The chief object
of mental culture Is not merely to till
the mind with other mems thoughts
and 20 be the passive recipient of their
impressions of things, but 20 enlarge
our individual intelligence and render
us more useful and efficient workers in
our sphere of life.
To study effectively the mind must
be concentrated on its work Make il
the first object TO be able TO fix and
hold your attention upon our studies.
He who can do this has mas tered many
difficulties, and he who cannot do it
will never succeed as "A student The
most profitable study is that which is
conducted with definite and special
object, all reading. attention, OIL lerva-
ton and reflection being directed upon
ii for the time being. BY thoroughly
mastering any given branch OF knowl-
edge we render it much more valuable
for use at any moment.
The study of the higher mathematics,
besides being a mental discipline, is es-
pecially useful to one whose calling re-
-quires such knowledge. A course of
mathematics is also good preparation
for any pursuit requiring habits of
close, exact reasoning careful analysis
and minute investigation. The study
of natural philosophy opens up field
Of investigation which is as interesting
rs 1t is unlimited and a knowledge of
she principles OF each OF the physical
ences is not only a necessary part
a liberal education, but a most use
and entertaining pursuit.
,chools and academies. however use