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The Intellectual Scope.

In the preceding chapter. we mentioned a statement of the present General of the Society, "that the characteristics of the Ratio Studiorum are not to be sought in the subject matter or in the order, but in what may be called the form or the spirit of the system." Father Martin explained in what this form consists: "It consists chiefly in the training of the mind, which is the object, and in the various exercises, which are the means to attain this object." In these words we have the intellectual scope of the Ratio Studiorum, in fact the intellectual scope of every rational system of education. This training of the mind means the gradual and harmonious development of all the higher faculties of man, of memory, imagination, intellect, and will.

The very meaning of the word confirms this view: to "educate" signifies to exercise the mental faculties of man, by instruction, training and discipline in such a way as to develop and render efficient the natural powers; to develop a man physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually. The mind is educated when its powers are developed and disciplined, so that it can perform its appropriate work. In speaking of one as educated, we imply not merely that he has acquired knowledge, but that his mental powers have been developed and disciplined to effective action. Education is, consequently, the systematic development and