of turning first to self when reflective thought is required. It is
presupposed that we must consult the library and the world about us
for raw facts of various kinds, for historical events, scientific
data, views of men, descriptions, etc.; but when our own thought is
wanted on a topic with which we are somewhat familiar, and on which we
are supposed to have some ideas, let us form the habit of turning to
ourselves _first;_ to others as helps later. If other authorities
are consulted first, there is danger that the first impressions, the
first thoughts, of the student will never come to light; the ideas of
others will hide these and become their substitutes, thereby
engendering distrust in self. But by giving attention first to self,
by giving it the first chance, its contributions can be recognized;
that encourages it to grow and attain vigor, so that, when outside
helps are later consulted, it can react upon them and maintain itself.
Every young person should do enough thinking on a subject, before
attempting to find what others think about it, to have something to
oppose to these others, as a basis of judgment. That will keep the
self upper-most and cultivate the confidence desired.

If, on the contrary, we wait until we have found what others think,
before attempting to find what we think, others will do our thinking
for us, and we will ever be suffering from the timidity that Emerson
laments in the words:--

A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which
flashes across his mind from within, more than the luster of the
firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his
thought, because it is his. In every work of genius we recognize our
own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated
majesty. Great works of art have no more affecting lesson for us than