There is exhortation by Aristotle that goes something like this: Sometimes one has to say things better than one's predecessors; sometimes one has to say things as well.
This is one of those times when one must say things as well. This a Letter from a teacher to his student. It gives the means necessary to "set about acquiring the treasure of knowledge [and the] way of living as a student..."
Brother John, dear to me in Christ,
Since you have asked how you should set about
acquiring the treasure of knowledge, here is my advice: Do not try to plunge
immediately into the ocean of learning; but go by way of little streams, for the
difficult things are more clearly mastered once you have overcome easier
ones.Concerning your way of living as a student, this
is my advice:Do not be loquacious or inclined to waste too
much time in the recreation room. Preserve your purity of conscience. Set time
apart for prayer. If you would wish to drink in the wine of knowledge, spend as
much time as possible studying in your room. Be courteous to everybody, or at
least try to be; but do not be familiar with anyone, for much familiarity breeds
contempt and will involve you in things that will distract you from study. Also,
do not get entangled in the affairs of others, whose way of life is different
from yours. Above all avoid useless conversation and meanderings. Try to follow
in the footsteps of the saints and great men. Do not mind by whom a thing is
said; but rather, pay attention to what is said. Strive to understand what you
read, and clear up any doubts that confront you. Try to store all the knowledge
you can in your mind, just as if you were trying to fill a vessel to the brim.
Know your own limitations; and do not try to overtax your abilities. Learn a
lesson from that Blessed Dominic, who, during his lifetime, accomplished great
things for his fellow men and for the Lord of Hosts. If you will follow this
advice, you will be able to fulfill your ambitions and attain your goal in
life.Farewell
Hello Gregory -- I want to thank you for posting to my Bee Lady blog. I am interested in your blog, too, especially your postings on teaching (as I am an English teacher). I will check back with your blog soon and read it in more depth. I'll also look at the books you recommended. Many thanks.
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