OUTLINE OF A STUDY OF THE SELF 23 



Do you feel responsible for your possible children and, as a member of society, 

 for all children yet unborn ? Have you considered duly and fully the facts and 

 laws of heredity and eugenic teachings in this important connection ? If not, 

 should you not do so ? 



Are you prepared for the duties and responsibilities of parenthood ? In 

 what respects ? Should less be expected of the one sex than of the other in the 

 way of sex control, abstinence, purity of thought, and of act ? If so, why ? Do 

 you know enough about the laws of heredity, of the conditions of conception, 

 pregnancy, parturition, about the physical, mental, social conditions in which 

 the expectant mother should live, to justify you in becoming a parent ? Do you 

 know enough about the care of infants, the course of physical and mental develop- 

 ment and the significance of environmental influences during infancy, childhood, 

 and adolescence, to make you an intelligent, sympathetic, wisely helpful, unsel- 

 fish parent ? 



Do you know the essential facts concerning the anatomy, physiology, and 

 hygiene of the reproductive organs of man and woman ? Have you reliable 

 information concerning the merits and demerits of personal purity; of sexual 

 activity ? Do you regard the use of the sexual organs as necessary for their 

 normal functional development and for your comfort and health ? What are 

 the chief sources of your information ? ^ 



3. Social 

 The duties of the self as a member of social groups in the light of 



(a) Physical constitution. What bearing has your physique upon your 

 social duties and activities ? Have you the physical basis for a large, noble 

 nature: good digestion, well coordinated muscles, abundant vitality ? Do you 

 think your physical habits, and consequent physical condition, have anything to 

 do with your attitude toward your fellow beings ? 



(b) Mental constitution. Does your mentality, education, or ambition impose 

 upon you the duty of being a social leader ? Do you inspire confidence ? Why ? 



^ The following works on sex education and hygiene are reliable and should be consulted if you 

 lack proper information: 



Hall, Wintield S. The biology, physiology, and sociology of reproduction; also sexual hygiene 

 with special reference to the male. Association Press, 124 E. 28th Street, New York. 1907. 



Galbraith, Anna M. The four epochs of woman's life. A study in hygiene. W. B. Saunders 

 Company, Philadelphia, 19 13. 



