write shorthand rapidly and accurately from the first, instead of teaching them to write shorthand slowly and carefully.
Perhaps you will say that there is nothing startling about that. But, my friends, I believe if that principle were put into effect in all schools teaching shorthand it would completely revolutionize the teaching of the subject.
I frankly acknowledge that the phrase "write slowly and carefully" has become so habitual with me that, although I have been convinced for some time that it embodies a fallacy and is pedagogically unsound, I found myself using it—through force of habit—when I had occasion to take a class a few weeks ago.
Of course, my remarks are not intended to apply to the teachers here assembled. Doubtless, as you are so progressive as to attend these meetings, you are already acting upon the guiding principle I have enunciated.
