Excerpt from Masterpieces of Eloquence, Vol. 23 of 25: Famous Orations of Great World Leaders From Early Greece to the Present Time
Pilgrim Fathers are still very thankful for the parched corn of learning.
Recent discussions have added pitifully little to the world’s stock of wisdom about the staple of education. Who blows today such a ringing trumpet-call to the study of language as Luther blew? Hardly a significant word has been added in two centuries to Milton’s description Of the unprofitable way to study languages. Would any young American learn how to profit by travel, that foolish beginning but excellent sequel to education, he can find no apter advice than Bacon’s.
The practice of England and America is literally centuries behind the precept of the best thinkers upon education. A striking illustration may be found in the prevailing neglect of the systematic study Of the English language. How Iamentably true today are these words Of Locke: If any one among us have a facility or purity more than ordinary in his mother tongue, it is owing to chance, or his genius, or anything rather than to his education or any care of his teacher.
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