The _formal studies_ constitute an indispensable
part of useful and disciplinary knowledge, but they should occupy a
secondary place in courses of study because they deal with the _form_
rather than with the _content_ of the sciences. It is a fundamental
error to place formal studies in the center of the school course and to
subordinate everything to their mastery. History and natural science,
on the contrary, having the richest knowledge content, constitute a
natural center for all educative efforts. They make possible a strong
development of will-energy because their interesting materials furnish
strong and legitimate incentives to mental activity and an enlarged
field and opportunity to voluntary effort in pursuit of clear and
attractive aims.
CHAPTER III.
NATURE OF INTEREST.
By interest we mean the natural bent or inclination of the mind to find
satisfaction in a subject when it is properly presented. It is the
natural attractiveness of the subject that draws and holds the
attention. Interest belongs to the feelings but differs from the other
feelings, such as desire or longing for an object, since it is
satisfied with the simple contemplation without asking for possession.
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