Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/767

 SHORTENING THE COLLEGE COURSE 747

give their offspring a "better schooling than they had them- selves ;" communities have sacrificed present advantage that the rising generation might be more broadly and thoroughly disci- plined than the one passing off the stage. Theorists have taught that the well-being of any nation is in the long run always dependent upon the breadth and depth of its educational regime, and lawmakers have written upon the statute-books provisions which are designed to compel indifferent or hostile men, if there are any, to put themselves into line with this tremendous upward tendency in every department of educational activity. States- men everywhere have indorsed the sentiments of Lord Brougham : "The schoolmaster is abroad, and I trust to him, armed with his primer, against the soldier in full military array."

In recent times there has been heard above the general accla- mation hardly a voice raised in opposition to the multiplication of school advantages and the extension of the educational period for all persons. But just now there are some indications of dis- affection which are quite threatening. A few people occupying high positions in the councils of the nation have discovered that it is possible to carry the educational business too far. It has been pointed out that in Germany, for instance, the thing has been overdone, and there have been produced already a good many learned paupers, doctors of philosophy who have to beg for bread. The universities are charged with having spoiled many good carpenters and mechanics and clerks ; and some think the presence of this large body of men whose wits have been sharpened, but who are putting them to no good use, and who are restless and dissatisfied, is a source of danger to the empire. One distinguished German educator recently expressed grave doubts respecting the wisdom of the United States accept- ing the Carnegie and other gifts, because of the danger of our getting on our hands a lot of overeducated men who could not be utilized to advantage in the social organism.

Among us it is being said that boys do not get into practical work early enough. Our grandfathers set up for themselves at twenty-one, but the young men of today are working over their