We discover the peculiarities of the 

 world around us by trial and error. 

 As we push and pull at things, some 

 objects resist our efforts and others 

 yield. From what happens or fails to 

 happen as we handle things or as we 

 try to make them serve us, we get 

 most of our practical knowledge about 

 matter — hard and soft, heavy and 

 light, tough and tender. And in just 

 the same way we discover our own 

 possibilities and limitations — what we 

 can do with things, how to manage dif- 

 ferent kinds, how far we can go, and 

 points beyond which we are helpless 



Child Study Laboratory, Vassar College 



LEARNING BY DOING 



Social Sensitivity The developing person wants the approval and re- 

 gard of those for whom he cares. In childhood this means members of the 

 family, playmates, the neighbors. 



The fact that we do care for others and want others to care for us influences 

 our purposes and desires. For we wish to please those whom we like, to help 

 them, to protect them against hurts of all kinds. Accordingly, as human 

 beings, we determine for one another what we consider important, what we 

 strive for, what we value. One does not ask himself whether he should be 

 devoted or loyal to those he likes, or whether he should sacrifice immediate 

 pleasures or control his impulses. We feel loyalty and devotion toward those 

 with whom we identify ourselves. And these feelings determine our actions. 

 What one does "for others" he really does for himself or for that group of which 

 he feels himself a part. 



In a group of those who thus give and take, further satisfactions come from 

 sharing. We want our friends to know of our achievements, our successes; 

 and we are pleased by the achievements and successes of our friends. In this 

 way pleasures are increased. On the other hand, when we share our disappoint- 

 ments or our sorrows, they become easier to bear. It is en-tro^/r-aging — that 

 is, heart-tmng — to feel that others are with you, that they care for you, that 

 they will back you up. In any case, there is the need to feel that one belongs. 

 This is quite as important for one's health and happiness as adequate food or 

 shelter. 



Individuals in the family, among friends, or in a club normally feel mutual 

 regard and consideration. The members of such a group do not ask themselves 

 whether they are going to get as much as they give. Each one who truly be- 

 longs not only is confident that he will get all that is due him but is eager to 

 do everything he can for the others or for the group. The best-integrated 



667 



