Your thoughts must needs run in one groove. They cannot (as Mr.
Matthew Arnold would say) "play freely round" a question; and look it
all over, boldly, patiently, rationally, charitably.
And I tell you that if you, or I, or any man, want to let our
thoughts play freely round questions, and so escape from the tendency
to become bigoted and narrow-minded which there is in every human
being, then we must acquire something of that inductive habit of mind
which the study of Natural Science gives. It is, after all, as
Professor Huxley says, only common sense well regulated. But then it
is well regulated; and how precious it is, if you can but get it.
The art of seeing, the art of knowing what you see; the art of
comparing, of perceiving true likenesses and true differences, and so
of classifying and arranging what you see: the art of connecting
facts together in your own mind in chains of cause and effect, and
that accurately, patiently, calmly, without prejudice, vanity, or
temper--this is what is wanted for true freedom of mind. But
accuracy, patience, freedom from prejudice, carelessness for all
except the truth, whatever the truth may be--are not these the
virtues of a truly free spirit? Then, as I said just now, I know no
study so able to give that free habit of mind as the Study of Natural
Science.
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