he object of study is twofold--to acquire knowledge and to cultivate the mind. Many people regard the former of greater importance, since they consider the acquisition of facts and of knowledge the prime end to be kept in mind. It is needless to say that this view is erroneous.
          The real object of study is to secure the harmonious and healthful growth of all the faculties. To train the muscles, the mind, and the heart until they respond quickly and unfalteringly to the higher impulses should be the chief ambition of the student. Facts without a trained mind to use them are absolutely useless and unfruitful.
          The student should aim to acquire correct and vigorous habits of thinking. The thinking should be deep, concise, and clear. He should be able to express thought by voice and pen in an unfaltering manner. Trained in this way, the mind becomes the master of facts and uses them with the force that begets influence.
          METHOD.  Begin to study from facts already known and thence proceed to the unknown. The explorer of an unknown region ascertains a complete description or record of the starting point, provides himself with the necessary instruments and provisions to endure the voyage, and proceeds with the greatest caution into the untrodden field. In a similar manner, the student must equip himself with the instruments of study, such as text-books and works of reference, and proceed from his state of mind development to the higher realm of mental activity. If he plunges recklessly into unexplored fields, entirely disconnected from his previous attainments, he hazards the danger of being lost in the floes of the frozen seas, or devoured by beasts in the malarial jungle.
          PRINCIPLES. The mind develops only under favorable conditions, when it is in a suitable attitude to concentrate its powers upon the subject under consideration. Mental culture is not creative in its nature, hence the aim is to develop realities only from the possibilities possessed by the mind. From these principles, the following rules may be deduced:

1. Take ample healthful exercise to stimulate the circulation and develop the physical powers. Plan to have sufficient sleep so the mind will be clear for work during the entire period for study.
2. Do not plod and ponder. It is better to rest when you get tired than to try to study when the mind is dull or overtaxed. The mind becomes dull when the body is tired. At this point it may be well to take up another subject. A change in the branch of study often is restful and tends to revive interest.
3. The student must cultivate an interest in the subject which he studies. Interest stimulates the attention and induces he mind to grasp for more information. Games and amusements are enjoyed because they are interesting. The same interest, the desire to master the subject is essential to study with success.
4. Interest is stimulated by an understanding of the lessons. It is a mistake to try to teach what is beyond the comprehension of the learner. Any knowledge secured in an isolated and disconnected way is of little value in the general process of education. The spelling of words and the meaning of terms and phrases should be mastered and affiliated with facts previously learned.
5. We should study to acquire power. Frequently we find those who know how, but they lack the power to do. These two elements must be combined by judicious training. The power sought should enable us to think consecutively, to utilize judiciously, and to control and direct our mental and moral forces. In every act of the body and mind we expend energy. This energy is the life element, the vital force, which enables us to achieve success and obtain happiness.
6. We should not study merely to get the answer, but rather to understand the topic in all its relations. Strength is gathered by mental exercise, by acquiring and applying the new knowledge. The effort in learning should be compared to the exercise of the athlete instead of the work of the haymaker. Rather than aim at the product, we aim at the healthful, intelligent effort put forth.
7. The student needs to acquire habits of thoroughness. He should go to the bottom of the problem and master the cause and effect. Thoroughness does not imply reading all that may be said on a topic, but rather to read each sentence carefully, thoughtfully, and understandingly. Our work is thorough when we are able to explain the reason for each step as we proceed.
8. The student should apply the knowledge as it is learned from time to time. This should be done with tact, else he may become offensive to his companions. Such use of the new elements of knowledge cause him to employ the correct form from force of habit.
9. We should study to acquire nobility of mind and heart. Every act may be likened to stone and mortar in the formation of character. Without character the most splendid attainments are as the house built upon the sand. With it deeds become the guardian angels of this mortal life.
10. If you have leisure hours, as most students have, plan to spend them wisely. Great men, men of affairs, have no hours of leisure, because they allot their time so it will count for something--either for business or for recuperation. It is important to utilize time wisely in this way, making it of utility in study, in rest, or in healthful exercise.

Our doubts are traitors
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.      ----Shakespeare.

Source:

 Holst, Bernhart, P. (Teacher, Editor, and Author). 1914. Practical Home and School Methods. Kansas City: The Bufton Book Company. pp. 8-9.