Principle 18 & 19: The Way of the Reason

We should teach children, also, not to lean (too confidently) unto their own understanding because the function of reason is to give logical demonstration of (a) mathematical truth and (b) of initial ideas accepted by the will. In the former case reason is, perhaps, an infallible guide but in the latter is not always a safe one, for whether the initial idea be right or wrong reason will confirm it by irrefragable proofs.

Therefore children should be taught as they become mature enough to understand such teaching that the chief responsibility; which rests upon them as persons is the acceptance or rejection of ideas presented to them. To help them in this choice we should afford them principles of conduct and a wide range of fitting knowledge.

Reference: Volume 6, Chapter 9

If there is one principle that could have a ripple impact on our current culture, I think it's this one. Understanding the importance as well as the place of reason is crucial and I think it's a gift we can give our kids, especially in their teen years.

Read it on Substack and see all the links