In a Human Manner

lnvestigators who believe the characteristics of an adult are noticeable in his
infancy are not far wrong; this accounts for the fact that character is often
considered hereditary. But the concept that character and personality are inherited
from one's parents is universally harmful because it hinders the educator in his task
and cramps his confidence. The real reason for assuming that character is inherited
lies elsewhere. This evasion enables anyone who has the task of education to escape
his responsibilities by the simple gesture of blaming heredity for the pupil's failures.
This, of course, is quite contrary to the purpose of education.