The Improvement of the Mind: A Supplement to the Art of Logic With a Discourse on the Education of Children and Youth

by Isaac Watts

This is the sequel to Isaac Watt's Logic. A disciplined mind is one of the most conspicuously missing things in our society. This book can help alleviate that malady. The subtitle of this book is, "Communication of useful knowledge in religion, in the sciences, and in common life." This is a lithograph of an 1833 edition printed in London which also contains "A Discourse on the Education of Children and Youth.

Genres: Education, Psychology, Logic, Nonfiction, Productivity

385 pages, Hardcover

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]

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]

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]

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]

#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]

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]

w0w i love it...