The Rules of the Game

Huxley does not intend for a scientific education to be solely based in science. In fact, he feels that this would be as much of a disservice as a liberal education. He begins by reasoning that the improvement of natural knowledge whatever direction it has taken has instilled practical benefits on men and has profoundly altered their modes of thinking and their views of right and wrong. What Huxley means by education in general is learning the rules of this “mighty game.” Education is the instruction of the intellect in the laws of Nature, including things and their forces, men and their ways and learning to move in harmony with those laws. A scientific education, according to Huxley includes teaching the elements of physical science and also the elements of the theory of morals and of political and social life. He suggests the teaching of history and geography as a chapter in the development of the history of civilization. He believes we should devote a large portion of time to the careful study of the models of English writing as well as dedicating time to the instruction of art, music or painting; something for the development of the aesthetic side of the mind. He also places importance on the study of other languages.