No More Learning

For sufficient lords are able to make these
discoveries themselves. Neither will an honourable person inquire who
eats and drinks together, what that man plays, whom this man loves, with
whom such a one walks, what discourse they hold, who sleeps with whom.
They are base and servile natures that busy themselves about these
disquisitions. How often have I seen (and worthily) these censors of the
family undertaken by some honest rustic and cudgelled thriftily! These
are commonly the off-scouring and dregs of men that do these things, or
calumniate others; yet I know not truly which is worse--he that maligns
all, or that praises all. There is as a vice in praising, and as
frequent, as in detracting.

It pleased your lordship of late to ask my opinion touching the education
of your sons, and especially to the advancement of their studies. To
which, though I returned somewhat for the present, which rather
manifested a will in me than gave any just resolution to the thing
propounded, I have upon better cogitation called those aids about me,
both of mind and memory, which shall venture my thoughts clearer, if not
fuller, to your lordship's demand. I confess, my lord, they will seem
but petty and minute things I shall offer to you, being writ for
children, and of them. But studies have their infancy as well as
creatures. We see in men even the strongest compositions had their
beginnings from milk and the cradle; and the wisest tarried sometimes
about apting their mouths to letters and syllables. In their education,
therefore, the care must be the greater had of their beginnings, to know,
examine, and weigh their natures; which, though they be proner in some
children to some disciplines, yet are they naturally prompt to taste all
by degrees, and with change. For change is a kind of refreshing in
studies, and infuseth knowledge by way of recreation. Thence the school
itself is called a play or game, and all letters are so best taught to
scholars. They should not be affrighted or deterred in their entry, but
drawn on with exercise and emulation.
A youth should not be made to hate
study before he know the causes to love it, or taste the bitterness
before the sweet; but called on and allured, entreated and praised--yea,
when he deserves it not. For which cause I wish them sent to the best
school, and a public, which I think the best. Your lordship, I fear,
hardly hears of that, as willing to breed them in your eye and at home,
and doubting their manners may be corrupted abroad. They are in more
danger in your own family, among ill servants (allowing they be safe in
their schoolmaster), than amongst a thousand boys, however immodest.
Would we did not spoil our own children, and overthrow their manners
ourselves by too much indulgence! To breed them at home is to breed them
in a shade, whereas in a school they have the light and heat of the sun.
They are used and accustomed to things and men. When they come forth
into the common-wealth, they find nothing new, or to seek. They have
made their friendships and aids, some to last their age. They hear what
is commanded to others as well as themselves; much approved, much
corrected; all which they bring to their own store and use, and learn as
much as they hear. Eloquence would be but a poor thing if we should only
converse with singulars, speak but man and man together. Therefore I
like no private breeding. I would send them where their industry should
be daily increased by praise, and that kindled by emulation. It is a
good thing to inflame the mind; and though ambition itself be a vice, it
is often the cause of great virtue. Give me that wit whom praise
excites, glory puts on, or disgrace grieves; he is to be nourished with
ambition, pricked forward with honour, checked with reprehension, and
never to be suspected of sloth. Though he be given to play, it is a sign
of spirit and liveliness, so there be a mean had of their sports and
relaxations.