Not that the effect on the mind of the learner is the same but
the body of truth is unaltered. The general truths of every subject
can be easily found well arranged in text-books. But we are more
anxious to know how the youth may best approach and appreciate these
truths than simply to see them stored in the mind in a well-classified
form.
A rich man in leaving a fortune to his son would more than double the
value of the inheritance if he could teach him properly to _appreciate_
wealth and form in him the disposition and ability to use it wisely.
In the same way the best part of knowledge is not simply its
possession, but an appreciation of its value. The method of reaching
scientific knowledge through the inductive process, that is by the
collection and comparison of data with a view to positive insight, will
give greater meaning to the results. Interest is awakened and
self-activity exercised at every step in the progress toward general
truths. By the reflective habit these truths will be seen in their
origin and causal connection, and the line of similarity, contrast,
causal relation, analogy and coincidence will be thoughtfully traced.
Possibly the progress toward formulated knowledge will be less rapid by
induction, but it will be real progress with no backward steps.
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