The best part of all human knowledge has come by exact and studied
observation made through the senses of sight, hearing, taste,
smell, and touch. The most important part of education has always
been the training of the senses through which that best part of
knowledge comes. This training has two precious results in the
individual besides the faculty of accurate observation--one the
acquisition of some sort of skill, the other the habit of careful
reflection and measured reasoning which results in precise
statement and record.
The pioneer men and women, and the children of pioneers, had few
books, but they were wide-awake people and made excellent neighbors.
Scores of great men and women with character as well as intelligence
have known little of books, but they had the ability to think--they
had individuality. They had courage and kindness.
Mother Nature is ever ready to train the growing child. By using our
wonderful National Parks for schools, we may give the boys and girls
of to-day even better nature training than the pioneers received from
their environment. Huxley says, "Knowledge gained at second hand from
books or hearsay is infinitely inferior in quality to knowledge gained
at first hand by direct observation and experience with Nature."
Many of the noblest pages of history were made by grand men and women
whom Nature inspired. A poet says that all grand and heroic deeds were
conceived in the open air. A nation composed of park-using people is
prepared for the emergencies of war and also for the finer
achievements of peace. Park life will keep the nation young.
Some of our thoughtful people are saying, "Better playgrounds without
schools than schools without playgrounds." The Parks used as a part
of the school system should develop, enrich, and equip with happy,
helpful material the growing mind of man.