Two travelers come in sight of an old homestead. To one
it is an object of absorbing interest as the home of his childhood; to
the other it is much like any other old farm house. What is the cause
of this difference? Not the house. It is the same in both cases. It
is remarkable how much color is given to every idea that enters into
the mind by the ideas already there. Some visitors at the World's Fair
can tell almost at a glance to what states many of the buildings
belong; other visitors must study this out on the maps and notices.
One who is familiar with the history, architecture, and products of the
different states is able to classify many of the buildings with ease.
His previous knowledge of these states interprets their buildings. Mt.
Vernon naturally belongs to Virginia, Independence Hall to
Pennsylvania, John Hancock's house to Massachusetts. In a still more
striking manner, a knowledge of foreign countries enables the observer
to classify such buildings as the French, the German, the Swedish, the
Japanese, etc. Again, in viewing any exhibit our enjoyment and
appreciation depend almost entirely upon our previous knowledge, not
upon our eye-sight or our physical endurance.
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