Fear to be Eliminated 19 



allowing those fears which promise to be helpful to 

 remain in the life or to die out slowly through coun- 

 teracting conduct ; and eliminating those other forms 

 which would seem to serve no useful purpose. Ex- 

 amples of the latter sort would be the fear of ferocious 

 animals and of murderers. Such mortal enemies are 

 so uncommon in this civilized land that fear of them 

 will probably be of no service to life. On the other 

 hand, it may stunt and deter the development of 

 courage. Especially do such fears tend to induce 

 the habit of unnecessary concern and deep worry, 

 thus destroying the peace and happiness and cutting 

 off the length of years of many members of our so- 

 ciety. 



8. There is no questioning the value of social 

 sensitiveness in respect to the development of char- 

 acter in the young. Some degree of bashfulness and 

 embarrassment in dealing with people, especially 

 those regarded by him as of superior worth, may be 

 considered an actual asset in the life of the growing 

 boy. This bashfulness will give him a rich inner 

 experience of doubts and fears, and of hopes and 

 triumphs. Slowly, under proper guidance and direc- 

 tion, the sensitiveness wears away through repeated 

 experience of a contrary sort, and such qualities as 

 create a self-reliance take its place. 



On the other hand, it is doubtless a misfortune, 

 especially for the boy, to become blase indifferent 

 and unembarrassed in the presence of people of all 



