In teaching, you must simply work your pupil into state of interest into what you are going to teach him that every other object of attention is banished from his mind; then reveal it to him so impressively that he will remember it until his dying day; and finally fill him with devouring curiosity to know what the next steps in connection with the subject are. (p. 4)
James begins this discussion by discussing the strategy to win a battle or to conquer an enemy in war. He uses the illustration of forcing your enemy into a position of submission before destroying them. I never considered the connection of teaching with such vigor that is any way related to a battle or conquest. Does James believe that every lesson requires such attention? I do appreciate the concept that when we present information it should be presented in such a fashion that a hunger for knowledge overwhelms our students. To often we as teachers are so consumed with just making sure that the content is covered that the presentation takes a back seat.
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