As to the organization of the schools: if possible the children should all
wear the same kind of clothing, even if the fabric is varied. It is
preferable that the fabric as well should be uniform; if, however, this is
not possible, there is no harm done. The more cleanly the pupils are, the
better; they should be immaculate. The school must be located in a place
where the air is delicate and pure. The children must be carefully trained
to be most courteous and well-behaved. They must be constantly encouraged
and made eager to gain all the summits of human accomplishment, so that
from their earliest years they will be taught to have high aims, to
conduct themselves well, to be chaste, pure, and undefiled, and will learn
to be of powerful resolve and firm of purpose in all things. Let them not
jest and trifle, but earnestly advance unto their goals, so that in every
situation they will be found resolute and firm.
Training in morals and good conduct is far more important than book
learning. A child that is cleanly, agreeable, of good character,
well-behaved--even though he be ignorant--is preferable to a child that is
rude, unwashed, ill-natured, and yet becoming deeply versed in all the
sciences and arts. The reason for this is that the child who conducts
himself well, even though he be ignorant, is of benefit to others, while
an ill-natured, ill-behaved child is corrupted and harmful to others, even
though he be learned. If, however, the child be trained to be both learned
and good, the result is light upon light.
Children are even as a branch that is fresh and green; they will grow up
in whatever way ye train them. Take the utmost care to give them high
ideals and goals, so that once they come of age, they will cast their
beams like brilliant candles on the world, and will not be defiled by
lusts and passions in the way of animals, heedless and unaware, but
instead will set their hearts on achieving everlasting honour and
acquiring all the excellences of humankind.