The Ideal of Universities

ions, upon which the nature of universities depends for development?knowledge and ability. All living things manifest a dual life?interior and exterior. Man shows a continual taking in and giving out, and in this process all organs are more or less active. In its higher aspects the taking in is called theoretical activity, which is essentially the purpose of thought. Similarly, in its widest sense, the giving out is called practical activity, which is the product of the will. Thought and will, therefore, are the two fundamental functions of the higher nature of man. In their continual alternation consists the higher life; yet they are so closely united as to be almost indistinguishable from each other. In their highest expression, however, the maximum of one may coordinate with the minimum of the other, while an alleged third function?called feeling?is sometimes asserted to exist in the relative equilibrium of the two, but this is merely a result of their harmonious union. It were useless to seek the true nature of man in either of these functions per se, or to try to derive his other attributes from it. They are not simply inherent powers, but rather polar movements of cerebration. When both forms of mental activity are properly and vividly exercised, the individual is said to be educated. The true nature of the State is shown in miniature in that of the individual. A nation is educated when the theoretical and practical activity is essentially sound and en...