Chapter 1—The Source and Aim of True Education

True education means more than pursuing a certain course of study. It has to do with the whole person, and with the whole period of existence possible to human beings. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers.TEd 9.1

The source of such an education is brought to view in these inspired words that point to the Infinite One: In Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. The world has had its great teachers, men and women of giant intellect and extensive research, people who have stimulated thought and opened to view vast fields of knowledge. But there is One who stands higher than they. As heavenly bodies in our solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world’s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every gleam of thought, every flash of the intellect, is from the Light of the world.TEd 9.2

In these days much is said concerning the nature and importance of “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that which is imparted by Him out of whose mouth “come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6.TEd 9.3

All true knowledge and real development have their source in a knowledge of God. Wherever we turn, in the physical, mental, or spiritual realms; in whatever we observe and study, apart from the blight of sin, this knowledge is revealed. Whatever line of investigation we pursue with a sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in touch with the unseen mighty Intelligence that is working in and through all. The human mind is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite. In this communion is found the highest education. It is God’s own method of development. “Acquaint yourself with Him” (Job 22:21) is God’s message to the human family. The method outlined in these words was the method followed in the education of Adam and Eve.TEd 9.4