THE WAY LIFE BEGINS 75 



is asserted, however, that such information will be of service 

 especially when given early, and by those who can makr it a 

 part of the wisdom of life. In fact, nature study, thus under- 

 stood, is only another cultural influence, a means such as all 

 culture offers of looking upon life broadly and humanely. 

 There is nothing that can be offered youth, not even religion 

 itself, which carries with it a guarantee of safety and security. 

 On the whole we are gaining more confidence in methods of 

 intelligent preparedness to meet the issues of life than in 

 moral suasion alone. Example is good, but how seldom it is at 

 hand at the right hour, and how rarely it fits the particular crisis ! 

 The success with which nature study is used in sex educa- 

 tion will be proportionate to our information and the richness 

 and fullness of our own interpretative power. Mere facts, 

 of themselves, will not go far, but when to them is added the 

 sympathetic and seeing eye, much may be accomplished. 

 We shall, for example, no longer think of sex or reproduction 

 as degraded, debased, or alien to our humanity. That sex does 

 become so and that it is the root of so much misery does 

 not alter the fact that, as far as the natural creation is con- 

 cerned, sex and all of its associated structures and activities 

 are wholly good and have been mainly instrumental in giving 

 rise to those things we prize most highly in life. Our dignity, 

 our sovereignty, though they exist only potentially, are 

 affirmed by the fact that we may become more blinded with 

 passion than the animals can ever be. Nature study will 

 show us that our problem is a dual one. There is, first, the 

 action of the instinctive forces of reproduction which are in 

 unavoidable conflict with the restraints of civilization, with 

 monogamous marriage and with the long and involved 

 preparation for marriage. Then, second, the human intelli- 

 gence, which, seeing the instincts thwarted and opposed by 

 social requirements, joins in with the instincts to gain satis- 

 faction by deceit, subterfuge, and the sacrifice of others. 



The Best Course to Pursue 



The best preparation that can be made to meet the inevita- 

 ble crises in the life of youth, we reaffirm, is not to avoid the 



