There is another point to be considered which confirms the suitability of this method:  it is the child’s individual bent, which must be thoroughly known before we can choose the fittest moral training.  Every mind has its own form, in accordance with which it must be controlled; and the success of the pains taken depends largely on the fact that he is controlled in this way and no other.  Oh, wise man, take time to observe nature; watch your scholar well before you say a word to him; first leave the germ of his character free to show itself, do not constrain him in anything, the better to see him as he really is.  Do you think this time of liberty is wasted?  On the contrary, your scholar will be the better employed, for this is the way you yourself will learn not to lose a single moment when time is of more value.  If, however, you begin to act before you know what to do, you act at random; you may make mistakes, and must retrace your steps; your haste to reach your goal will only take you further from it.  Do not imitate the miser who loses much lest he should lose a little.  Sacrifice a little time in early childhood, and it will be repaid you with usury when your scholar is older.  The wise physician does not hastily give prescriptions at first sight, but he studies the constitution of the sick man before he prescribes anything; the treatment is begun later, but the patient is cured, while the hasty doctor kills him.

But where shall we find a place for our child so as to bring him up as a senseless being, an automaton?  Shall we keep him in the moon, or on a desert island?  Shall we remove him from human society?  Will he not always have around him the sight and the pattern of the passions of other people?  Will he never see children of his own age?  Will he not see his parents, his neighbours, his nurse, his governess, his man-servant, his tutor himself, who after all will not be an angel?  Here we have a real and serious objection.  But did I tell you that an education according to nature would be an easy task?  Oh, men! is it my fault that you have made all good things difficult?  I admit that I am aware of these difficulties; perhaps they are insuperable; but nevertheless it is certain that we do to some extent avoid them by trying to do so.  I am showing what we should try to attain, I do not say we can attain it, but I do say that whoever comes nearest to it is nearest to success.

Remember you must be a man yourself before you try to train a man; you yourself must set the pattern he shall copy.  While the child is still unconscious there is time to prepare his surroundings, so that nothing shall strike his eye but what is fit for his sight.  Gain the respect of every one, begin to win their hearts, so that they may try to please you.  You will not be master of the child if you cannot control every one about him; and this authority will never suffice unless it rests upon respect for your goodness.  There is no question of squandering