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From the parental functions let us pass now to the functions of the citizen.  We have here to inquire what knowledge fits a man for the discharge of these functions.  It cannot be alleged that the need for knowledge fitting him for these functions is wholly overlooked; for our school-courses contain certain studies, which, nominally at least, bear upon political and social duties.  Of these the only one that occupies a prominent place is History.

But, as already hinted, the information commonly given under this head, is almost valueless for purposes of guidance.  Scarcely any of the facts set down in our school-histories, and very few of those contained in the more elaborate works written for adults, illustrate the right principles of political action.  The biographies of monarchs (and our children learn little else) throw scarcely any light upon the science of society.  Familiarity with court intrigues, plots, usurpations, or the like, and with all the personalities accompanying them, aids very little in elucidating the causes of national progress.  We read of some squabble for power, that it led to a pitched battle; that such and such were the names of the generals and their leading subordinates; that they had each so many thousand infantry and cavalry, and so many cannon; that they arranged their forces in this and that order; that they manoeuvred, attacked, and fell back in certain ways; that at this part of the day such disasters were sustained, and at that such advantages gained; that in one particular movement some leading officer fell, while in another a certain regiment was decimated; that after all the changing fortunes of the fight, the victory was gained by this or that army; and that so many were killed and wounded on each side, and so many captured by the conquerors.  And now, out of the accumulated details making up the narrative, say which it is that helps you in deciding on your conduct as a citizen.  Supposing even that you had diligently read, not only The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, but accounts of all other battles that history mentions; how much more judicious would your vote be at the next election?  “But these are facts—­interesting facts,” you say.  Without doubt they are facts (such, at least, as are not wholly or partially fictions); and to many they may be interesting facts.  But this by no means implies that they are valuable.  Factitious or morbid opinion often gives seeming value to things that have scarcely any.  A tulipomaniac will not part with a choice bulb for its weight in gold.  To another man an ugly piece of cracked old china seems his most desirable possession.  And there are those who give high prices for the relics of celebrated murderers.  Will it be contended that these tastes are any measures of value in the things that gratify them?  If not, then it must be admitted that the liking felt for certain classes of historical facts is no proof of their worth; and