Principles of Learning

From Kelly (1963): "In general man seeks to improve his constructs by increasing his repertory, by altering them to provide better fits, and by subsuming them with superordinate constructs or systems. In seeking improvement he is repeatedly halted by the damage to the system that apparently will result from the alternation of a subordinate construct . Frequently his personal investment in the larger system, or his personal dependence upon it, is so great that he will forego the adoption of a more precise construct in the substructure. It may take a major act of psychotherapy or experience to get him to adjust his construction system to the point where the new and more precise construct can be incorporated." [p. 9]

Also from Freeman (1813), "...the learning of the letters in their detached situation, is a dry, tedious, discouraging process. But learning them, in learning words, is, it is presumed, much more tolerable. Indeed, the difference resembles that which is experienced by two travellers engaged in a toilsome journey, one of whom is amused with a variety of objects that attract his notice, and thus beguile the tediousness of the way; while the other sees no beauty in the surrounding scenery, but is perpetually poring over his present toil, and the disheartening distance that separates him from the end of his journey. We always like to observe too, that we are making a progress; and this animates us, in encountering difficulties. On the other hand, if we seem to make no advances, we are in great danger of abandoning our pursuit." (pg. 17)