Article November 10, 1934 Issue

Understanding

[Written Especially for Young People]

RUSSELL G. WOODARD

NO one questions, but few fully comprehend the advice credited to Solomon, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." We all grant that understanding is important; but do we know how to acquire it, or what to do with it when we do acquire it?

As an illustration, consider a football game, where most of those present would be attentive, become excited at the crucial points, and carry away a vivid impression of the experience. But suppose these same persons were to spend some time watching a chess match. For some it would be a dull experience. Why is one game interesting and the other not? Surely it is not altogether because of the difference in the games; it is because, let us say, some understand the rules and purposes of football, but not of chess.

Understanding, therefore, is necessary to enjoyment; and this is true of other activities as surely as it is of games. Does the period we set aside for quiet reading of the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly in the morning appear tedious? As we gain a deeper understanding of the truth the time will seem too short. Does some subject in school seem uninteresting? As we study that subject until we understand it we shall be attracted to it. Is there some person whose company we do not particularly enjoy? Let us remember Madame de Staël's words:

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