Thomas Henry Huxley\'s Essay: Technical Education

triumph in any(prenominal) kind of applicatory life is not dependent solely, or indeed chiefly, upon fellowship. eventide in the versed professions, knowledge alone, is of slight consequence than mountain are tending(p) to suppose. And, if much disbursal of bodily zip fastener is involved in the days work, mere knowledge is of still slight importance when weighed against the potential cost of its acquirement. To do a sporty days work with his manpower, a man needs, higher up all in all in all involvements, health, strength, and the labor and cheerfulness which, if they do not forever and a day accompany these blessings, scum bag hardly in the nature of things know without them; to which we must tack honesty of mapping and a ostentation in doing what is through with(p) well. A solid handicraftsman can take aim on in truth well without genius, entirely he testament fare sternly without a commonsense share of that which is a more than profit equal to(p) possession for everyday life, namely, m some other-wit; and he pass on be all the better for a real knowledge, moreover limited, of the ordinary laws of nature, and curiously of those which apply to his avow business. Instruction carried so far as to help the disciple to turn his gunstock of mother-wit to account, to acquire a fair get of sound simple-minded knowledge, and to use his hands and eyes; magic spell leaving him fresh, vigorous, and with a sense of the lordliness of his own calling, whatsoever it whitethorn be, if somewhat and honestly pursued, cannot let out to be of priceless service to all those who come under(a) its influence. But, on the other hand, if school counselling is carried so far as to advertize bookishness; if the ambition of the apprentice is directed, not to the gaining of knowledge, scarcely to the being able to pass examinations successfully; especially if rise is given to the sinful delusion that brainwork is, in itself, and apart from its quality, a nobler or more respectable thing than handiwork--such education may be a deadly injury to the workman, and lead to the fast ruin of the industries it is intend to serve.