p. 13 | Why He Failed

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 5, 1907

Why He Failed

A boy returned from school one day with a report that his scholarship had fallen below the usual average. And this conversation took place:—

“Son,” said his father, “you’ve fallen behind this month, haven’t you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How did that happen?”

“Don’t know, sir.”

The father knew, if the son did not. He had observed some dime novels scattered about the house, but had not thought it worth while to say anything until a fitting opportunity should offer itself. A basket of apples stood upon the floor, and he said: “Empty out those apples, and take the basket and bring it to me half full of chips.”

Suspecting nothing, the son obeyed.

“And now,” he continued, “put those apples back into the basket.”

When half the apples were replaced, the boy said: “Father, they roll off. I can’t put any more in.”

“Put them in, I tell you.”

“But, father, I can’t put them in.”

“Put them in?—No, of course you can’t put them in. You said you didn’t know why you fell behind at school, and I will tell you why. Your mind is like that basket; it will not hold more than so much. And here you’ve been the past month filling it up with chip dirt — dime novels.”

The boy turned on his heel, whistled, and said: “Whew! I see the point.”

Not a dime novel has been seen in the house since that day.—Cut Gems.