The acquisition of exact knowledge is apt to be wearisome, but it is essential to every kind of excellence, and this fact can be made obvious to a child by suitable methods.
Source: Bertrand Russell: On Education, especially in early childhood, 1926, Pt. 2：Education of character, chap. 14: General principles
More info.： https://russell-j.com/
* a brief comment:
Mathematics is clear and precise, and studying it is extremely helpful in developing logical thinking skills. Unfortunately, even children who once liked arithmetic tend to dislike mathematics more and more as they reach the upper levels of middle school and beyond.
By the way, how often are logic classes offered in Japan today? At universities, there may be courses in logic, but aren’t they merely among the optional subjects? Are logic classes conducted in elementary, middle, or high schools? I hardly ever hear about such cases. I imagine that programming classes are being offered instead of logic classes?is that the case? Of course, programming classes also foster logical thinking skills, but I feel that the kind of logical thinking they cultivate is rather limited.
The "logical thinking ability necessary for acquiring precise knowledge (in all fields)" that appears in today’s words of Russell is broader in scope than the logical thinking skills developed through programming. It is difficult to put into words, but those familiar with Russell’s writings will likely understand and sympathize with what he is trying to convey.
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