It is always in trouble. It has even
developed vicious traits of its own. It tells lies, it steals,
it is even disrespectful to its mother.
You supposed, don't forget, that this mother never saw another
baby, and knew nothing about the development of human beings
along certain lines. Would she not be horrified at her child's
condition? Would she not think it getting worse and worse,
and that it must end horribly and tragically? Would she not sigh
for the old days of the cradle, and wish that her baby might go
back to its babyhood and live comfortably once more, on its back,
with its hands and feet in the air and a vacant look in its eyes?
----
The human race has gone ahead, as that supposititious baby goes
ahead in fourteen years. We have obtained many new forces, many
new accomplishments. We have learned to use steam and
electricity, as the child learns to use its legs and its hands.
But, like the child of fourteen, we have not developed morally or
mentally in proportion to our physical development.
But just as surely as the child passes on from childhood, with
its follies, its quarrels, and its accidents, to mature,
self-respecting manhood, just so surely will the human race go
through its babyhood, through its boyhood, and on into years of
wisdom, justice, self-control and real accomplishment.
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