Thomas J. McCormack 
Why Do We Study Mathematics [PDF ebook] 
A Philosophical and Historical Retrospect

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. The most salient practical feature of all scientific thought is its economic or labor-saving purpose. Even our every-day modes of thinking are impregnated with this trait. Education itself largely consists of the inculcating of ready-made, snap judgments on men and events, on sociology and economics, on politics and history. Prejudice is the supreme type of ready intellectual power; the mightiest weapon in our logical arm ory: it is mental preparedness.