Philadelphia, 29 October, 1775.
Human nature, with all its infirmities and deprivation, is still capable
of great things. It is capable of attaining to degrees of wisdom and of
goodness which, we have reason to believe, appear respectable in the
estimation of superior intelligences. Education makes a greater
difference between man and man, than nature has made between man and
brute. The virtues and powers to which men may be trained, by early
education and constant discipline, are truly sublime and astonishing.
Newton and Locke are examples of the deep sagacity which may be acquired
by long habits of thinking and study. Nay, your common mechanics and
artisans are proofs of the wonderful dexterity acquired by use; a
watchmaker, in finishing his wheels and springs; a pin or needle-maker,
etc. I think there is a particular occupation in Europe, which is called
a paper-stainer or linen-stainer. A man who has been long habituated to
it shall sit for a whole day, and draw upon paper fresh figures to be
imprinted upon the papers for rooms, as fast as his eye can roll and his
fingers move, and no two of his draughts shall be alike. The Saracens,
the Knights of Malta, the army and navy in the service of the English
republic, among many others, are instances to show to what an exalted
height valor, or bravery, or courage may be raised by artificial means.
It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our
children and exalt their courage; to accelerate and animate their
industry and activity; to excite in them an habitual contempt of
meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to
excel in every capacity, faculty, and virtue. If we suffer their minds
to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives.
But their bodies must be hardened, as well as their souls exalted.
Without strength and activity and vigor of body, the brightest mental
excellences will be eclipsed and obscured.