This paper reexamines the primary goals of education as they were stated by educators many years ago as the seven "Cardinal Principals" of public education: (1) Instruction in health, the inculcation of good health habits, and the provision of physical education; (2) the acquisition of the basic skills--reading, writing, oral expression, and arithmetic computation; (3) worthy home-membership, participating in family pursuits and responsibilities; (4) vocational guidance, acquiring job skills and knowledge of the world of work; (5) education for good citizenship and the study of history, geography, government, and economics; (6) worthy use of leisure time. In looking at these educational principles, the author feels that in today's society the same goals should be upheld. However, the definition or interpretation given to these categories and the relative priorities assigned to them may well be different. Educational goals need to be reexamined when there are changes in society and society's values, changes in the nature of the school population, and changes in educational theory. (JD)