Fifth Book of Lessons, for the Use of the Irish National Schools Book

I noticed five major differences between Milton’s theory of education and the modern American system.

1. Milton’s was decidedly Christian.
2. Milton’s was focused on reading classical works in every branch of learning (medicine, history, agriculture, etc.)
3. Milton’s was far more focused on acquiring different languages.
4. Milton’s was focused on beauty and virtue as much as it was on truth.
5. Milton’s was not designed to be universal.

Each point raises provocative questions at least, though point 3 should not be controversial at all. Milton’s system is hands-down superior on that issue. His theory offers familiarity with many languages without sacrificing learning in other areas, simply because the learning is often done in a foreign tongue.