---- “_not_ a dangerous thing.”
_Mr. Thomas Campbell_ having been chosen lord rector of the university
of Glasgow, made his inaugural speech on the 12th of April, 1827,
wherein are the following estimable remarks on desultory attainments:--
“In comparing small learned acquisitions with none at all, it appears to
me to be equally absurd to consider a little learning valueless, or even
dangerous, as some will have it, as to talk of a little virtue, a little
wealth, or health, or cheerfulness, or a little of any other blessing
under heaven, being worthless or dangerous.
“To abjure any degree of information, because we cannot grasp the whole
circle of the sciences, or sound the depths of erudition, appears to be
just about as sensible as if we were to shut up our windows because
they are too narrow, or because the glass has not the magnifying power
of a telescope.
“For the smallest quantity of knowledge that a man can acquire, he is
bound to be contentedly thankful, provided his fate shuts him out from
the power of acquiring a larger portion--but whilst the possibility of
farther advancement remains, be as proudly discontented as ye will with
a little learning. For the value of knowledge is like that of a diamond,
it increases according to its magnitude, even in much more than a
geometrical ratio.--One science and literary pursuit throws light upon
another, and there is a connection, as Cicero remarks, among them all--
“‘Omnes Artes, quæ ad humanitatem pertinent, habent quoddam commune
vinculum, et quasi cognatione quadam inter se continentur.’
“No doubt a man ought to devote himself, in the main, to one department
of knowledge, but still he will be all the better for making himself
acquainted with studies which are kindred _to_ and _with_ that
pursuit.--The principle of the extreme division of labour, so useful in
a pin manufactory, if introduced into learning, may produce, indeed,
some minute and particular improvements, but, on the whole, it tends to
cramp human intellect.
“That the mind may, and especially in early youth, be easily distracted
by too many pursuits, must be readily admitted. But I now beg leave to
consider myself addressing those among you, who are conscious of great
ambition, and of many faculties; and what I say, may regard rather the
studies of your future than of your present years.
“To embrace different pursuits, diametrically opposite, in the wide
circle of human knowledge, must be pronounced to be almost universally
impossible for a single mind.--But I cannot believe that any strong mind
weakens its strength, in any one branch of learning, by diverging into
cognate studies; on the contrary, I believe that it will return home to
the main object, bringing back illustrative treasures from all its
excursions into collateral pursuits.”
* * * * *