he can be induced to serve them. The chief rule for the cure of
selfishness is, then, to watch every affection, small and large,
encourage it, give it room to grow, and see to it that the child does
not merely get delight out of it, but that he works for it, that he
sacrifices himself for those whom he loves.




LAZINESS.


[Sidenote: The Physical Cause]

This condition is often normal, especially during adolescence. The
developing boy or girl wants to lop and to lounge, to lie sprawled
over the floor or the sofa. Quick movement is distasteful to him,
and often has an undue effect upon the heart's action. He is normally
dreamy, languid, indifferent, and subject to various moods. These
things are merely tokens of the tremendous change that is going on
within his organism, and which heavily drains his vitality. Certain
duties may, of course, be required of him at this stage, but they
should be light and steady. He should not be expected to fill
up chinks and run errands with joyful alacrity. The six- or
eight-year-old may be called upon for these things, and not he harmed,
but this is not true of the child between twelve and seventeen. He
has absorbing business on hand and should not be too often called away
from it.

[Sidenote: Laziness and Rapid Growth]