In the dull atmosphere which stagnates between the high walls of
colleges and churches wherein play the little eddies of fashionable
literature, which considers the authorship of an old play[1] more
interesting and important than the questions that involve the welfare
of all humanity or the destiny of a nation,--an atmosphere seldom
stirred by the strong, pure breezes of the mountain and the
ocean,--the best thought and impulse of which humanity is capable is
stifled in its birth, or if it comes forth feels the overshadowing
influence that chills its life.
[1] Mr. Lowell, having been minister to England, is profoundly
reverenced in Boston for his social position. His position
gives great weight to his suggestions. It is a moral power for
the use of which he is responsible, but with which he has
trifled. When a few earnest reformers thought that Mr.
Gladstone's grand statesmanship in preserving the peace of the
world deserved to be recognized and honored by Americans,
conservative, rank-worshipping Bostonians thought it would be
_indispensable_ to have Mr. Lowell's co-operation, and waited
his return from Europe. When Mr. Lowell was appealed to be had
nothing to say,--he _wanted rest_! And Boston had nothing to
say on that grand occasion, though Boston has a perfunctory
Peace Society!
But now Mr. Lowell comes out to call forth Bostonians for his
chosen themes, and what are they? The discussion of old
English dramatists! If there is anything more dead and
worthless than antiquated plays which are forgotten, what is
it? If there is anything more worthy of the name of _rubbish_,
pray let us know what it is. But Boston crowds to hear
disquisitions which from men in a different social position
would be voted a bore, and sits reverently and patiently to
catch his feeble and to many, scarce audible utterances. Is
not this the worship of triviality and trash! How different
would have been the action of John Hancock, of Samuel Adams,
of Fisher Ames, or of Wendell Phillips. The atmosphere of
European courts is debilitating to American Republicanism,
unless it be a profound sentiment of the heart. When my
brother-in-law returned from his position as minister to
Naples, I could see that he had learned to look upon the
common people as a rabble, and to sympathize only with the
aristocracy. Cassius M. Clay at St. Petersburg learned to
sympathize with the Russians, but he returned with no
impairment of his democratic principles.
Not there, amid the pedantries of "culture," do we find the atmosphere
for free and benevolent thought, but rather far away from such
influences, in the forests, the mountain and prairie, where man comes
more nearly into communion with nature, and forgets the inheritance of
ancient error which every corporate institution preserves and
perpetuates. It is to this widespread audience that the JOURNAL OF MAN
appeals and offers a new suggestion.
In sending forth the "New Education," hoping for some appreciative
response from educational circles in which collegiate influences
prevail, I did not deem it prudent to introduce some of the noblest
thoughts that belong to the great theme. The book was sent forth
limited and incomplete, hoping that, heretical as it was, and quite
irreverent toward the ignorance descended from antiquity, it might
still receive sufficient approbation and appreciation to justify later
introduction of matter that would have hindered its first reception.
It has reached the third edition, but it has been very apparent that
its reception was cordial and enthusiastic only among the most
progressive minds, the number of which increases as we travel
westward, and San Francisco called for more copies than the leading
cities of the East.
The time has now arrived (when this JOURNAL is hailed cordially
throughout the country) that I may venture to announce the most
remarkable feature of the art and science of education. There is an
additional reason, too, for speaking out at this time, which should
mortify the pride of an American citizen. The philanthropic science
which I thought it imprudent to mention then in this free country, is
beginning to be studied in France, where such themes are not
suppressed by the sturdy dogmatism which is so prevalent and so
powerful in the Anglo-Saxon race.