The Improvement of the Mind; Added, a Discourse on the Education of Children and Youth with Life of the Author

by Isaac Watts

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1837. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... just calls of Providence to profess and subscribe it, yet there is no need that we should resolve or promise, subscribe or swear, never to change our mind, since it is possible, in the nature and course of things, we may meet with such a solid and substantial objection as may give us a quite different view of things from what we once imagined, and may lay before us sufficient evidence of the contrary. We may happen to find a fairer light cast over the same Scriptures, and see reason to alter our sentiments even in some points of moment. Sic sentio, sic sentiam, i. e. so I believe, and so 1 will believe, is the prison of the soul for lifetime, and a bar against all the improvements of the mind. To impose such a profession on other men in matters not absolutely necessary, and not absolutely certain, is a criminal usurpation and tyranny over faith and conscience, and which none has power to require but an infallible dictator. CHAPTER XIX. OF INQUIRING INTO CAUSES AND EFFECTS. Some effects are found out by their causes, and some causes by their effects. Let us consider both these. I. When we are inquiring into the cause of any particular effect or appearance, either in the world of nature, or in the civil or moral concerns of men, we may follow this method: 1. Consider what effects or appearances you have known of a kindred nature, and what have been the certain and real causes of them; for like effects have generally like causes, especially when they are found in the same sort of subjects. 2. Consider what are the several possible causes which may produce such an effect, and find out by some circumstances how many of those possible causes are excluded in this particular case: Thence proceed by degrees to the probable causes, till a more close attention and inspecti...

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Logic, Psychology, Productivity

172 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Isaac Watts was an English hymnwriter, theologian and logician. A prolific and popular hymnwriter, he was recognised as the "Father of English Hymnody", credited with some 650 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in use today, and have been translated into many languages.

Watts was the author of a text book on logic which was particularly popular; its full title was, Logic, or The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as well as in the Sciences. This was first published in 1724, and its popularity ensured that it went through twenty editions. Isaac Watts' Logic became the standard text on logic at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale; being used at Oxford University for well over 100 years.
[wikipedia]

Reviews

[Becky Hintz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A treasure trove of helpful, penetrating, and instructive gems buried in a mountain of words. If you want to find them, you'll need lots of patience and some skill in mining a text. In other words, this book is begging to be rewritten for today's typical reader.

[Deanna Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "original" how to read a book. This book teaches read, write, discuss also known as learn, act, share. Covers mentoring, effective conversations, memorizing, learning a language, recognizing a weak argument or book, and lots more.

It's a free ebook on line. You should read it Stephanie, Heather, Celeste, Rachel, Karen. . . Just saying.

[Seth Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mind can be improved by reading, listening to lectures, conversation, and meditation. Also, an 80 page collection of insights on training children. Very practical.

I can’t tell if Watts' Logic or this volume deserves first place.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

#LitLife192021 "A Book on Education or Literature" or "A Book in a Genre You Don't Normally Read" or "Lesser-Known Book by a Well-Known Author"
This is excellent, especially the remarks on humility.

[Anya]

I just like that this book exists tbh, I find that supremely cool.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A church I was visiting had this on their book table and it caught my attention for two reasons: it was by the great hymn writer Issac Watts and as I teach at a classical school the logic part intrigued me. Watts has much to say to parents and teachers about education. I found his insights very helpful.

[Francisco Son · Rating 5 out of 5]

w0w i love it...