THE GOLDEN RULE AND EDUCACATIONAL IDEALS.

Evening Star, Issue 16335, 30 January 1917, Page 7

THE GOLDEN RULE AND EDUCACATIONAL IDEALS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I am glad your correspondent "whose letter appears in your ’•lssue of the 25th. thinks the introduction 3f the Golden Rule into our schools would -It any rate do no harm. This, however, Is rather n, negative conclusion to come to. I am quite, in agreement with him in his plan for education reform, and hope as time goes on much will be done in this Respect._ At the same time, I am strongly M -opinion that if the suggestion is car-, lied out, and the children are thereby Juide familiar with the golden motto, trhieh, if observed, would usher in the Dolden Age, that vision of the ancient prophets might really draw nearer realisation. The use of ‘the Golden Rule by School children would at least give on all Occasions an opportunity to teachers to deliver a little homily upon its meaning, 2nd the effect upon, the world of its observance. •An important point to note is that its precise meaning be understood, and this Js, as indicated by your contributor who Wrote the article in your issue of the 20th inst., that it is not a question of nutting ourselves in someone else's place; It is whatsoever we desire in our own place—and what we desire, or ought to desire, is good and just. Interpreted in jliis way. wo should not give money to a drunkard who asked us for it, noi- should dho people of Belgium let Germany pass through their country, as granting such Hemands in the long‘run would be" harmful to those who made them. A. cablegram from France quotes a Parisian journal as sarcastically commenting upon President Wilson’s peace proposals that tho only thing required to take them successful is “ a new mankind.” If radical improvement in interNational relationships is to be brought about there is no doubt the French journal is right. It is also true that you Oannot create a new humanity quite' so ■quickly as tho British Empire created Sheir new army. It is. however, possible Jo look forward to a new ideal being aeiepted in the course of a generation. To Succeed in this we must begin with tho •young heart and mind while thev arc Jlastic, As the Bishop of Carlisle in discussing the subject has well said, “ Tho slew education must be equally prolific in ideals for tho heart. .‘ Although ihe host educated head may gain the Jest livelihood, yet only in co-operation ydth tho best educated ‘heart can it win The best life.” Let us then do what we can to acquaint Tnr children with that Divine Law which ■Jfrould do so much to hasten the day Tlheu Ration with nation, land with land, Unarmed shall live ns comrades free: Q) every heart and brain Shall throb The pulse of one fraternity. -d am, etc., W.F.K. January 29.