PART SECOND.
The Principles of the Ratio Studiorum. Its Theory and Practice Viewed in the Light of Modern Educational Problems.
Chapter IX.
Adaptability of the Ratio Studiorum.—Prudent Conservatism.
In the "Introductory Chapter" we quoted this remark of a biographer of St. Ignatius: "The Ratio Studiorum is a plan of studies which admits of every legitimate progress and perfection, and what Ignatius said of the Society in general may be applied to its system of studies in particular, namely that it ought to suit itself to the times and comply with them, and not make the times suit themselves to it.[1] We assert, then, that this is the first principle of the Jesuit system: that it should adapt itself to the different times and countries. We do not treat here of single colleges; it is possible that some have not adapted themselves sufficiently. The question to be discussed here is a general one: namely about the system as such.
That the Jesuit system has not suited itself to the times is the criticism of some. Others go even further, maintaining that it cannot be suited to the times, or only with great difficulty, as it is altogether "anti-
- ↑ Genelli, Life of St. Ignatius", part II, ch. VII.
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