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IDEAS AND OPINIONS
watch only nearby objects. But if we direct our attention to
prominent features of the landscape, like high mountains, the
scenery seems to change very slowly. It is just the same with
the fundamental problems in science.
In my opinion, it is not reasonable even to talk of "our way
of life" or that of the Russians. In both cases we are dealing
with a collection of traditions and customs which do not form
an organic whole. It certainly makes more sense to ask which
institutions and traditions are harmful, and which are useful,
to human beings; which make life happier, or more painful.
We then must endeavor to adopt whatever appears best, irrespective
of whether, at present, we find it realized at home or
somewhere else.
N ow to the salaries of teachers. In a healthy society, every
useful activity is compensated in a way to permit of a decent
living. The exercise of any socially valuable activity gives inner
satisfaction; but it cannot be considered as part of the salary.
The teacher cannot use his inner satisfaction to fill the stomachs
of his children.
EDUCATION FOR INDEPENDENT THOUGHT
From the New York 'Times, October 5,1952.
It is not enough to teach man a specialty. Through it he may
become a kind of useful machine but not a harmoniously developed
personality. It is essential that the student acquire an
understanding of and a lively feeling for values. He must
acquire a vivid sense of the beautiful and of the morally good.
Otherwise he-with his specialized knowledge-more closely
resembles a well-trained dog than a harmoniously developed
person. He must learn to understand the motives of human
beings, their illusions, and their sufferings in order to acquire
a proper relationship to individual fellow-men and to the community.
These precious things are conveyed to the younger generation