Good Mottoes
How many men recall how they were inspired to much greater ambition when as boys in the school-room they looked upon the simple mottoes, “Do Right,” “Never Give Up,” “He Succeeds Who Tries,” etc.? The benign face of Abraham Lincoln, of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, of Francis E. Willard or some other celebrity has carried many a pupil’s ambition to higher levels. Pictures of the Christ Child, of Madonnas, of Nature scenes, and other standard subjects are very appropriate for the school-room. They will have their influence. Little did the mother of three sons, who all became sailors, think that a certain impressive picture of the sea in her home would create love for the sea in the bosoms of her offspring. It did. So will many other beautiful pictures create a love for the real which the picture idealizes.
It must be borne in mind that while the surroundings of the child are vital factors in his educational progress, still the best teacher can, to a certain degree, do good work in bad surroundings. But the work will be far better in clean, sanitary and orderly buildings and premises. The opposite, likewise is true; the best kept house and premises will not enable a poor teacher to do good work. Good surroundings will have a good effect and make the work easier. A good teacher in poor surroundings can not be conceived of as being satisfied.