9. Is there danger that one may have too much of a good quality, or is
the danger not in having too little of some other quality?
10. Show how a wide and appreciative reading of poetry makes for a
proper balance of temperament.
CHAPTER XIX
A SENSE OF HUMOR
=An American story.=--There is a story to the effect that a certain Mr.
Jones was much given to boasting of his early rising. He stoutly
maintained that he was going about his work every morning at three
o'clock. Some of his friends were inclined to be incredulous as to his
representations and entered into a kindly conspiracy to put them to the
test. Accordingly one of the number presented himself at the kitchen
door of the Jones residence one morning at half-past three and made
inquiry of Mrs. Jones as to the whereabouts of her husband, asking if he
was at home. In a very gracious manner Mrs. Jones replied: "No, he isn't
here now. He was around here early this morning but I don't really know
where he is now." This is a clean, fine, typical American story, and, by
means of such a story, we can test for a sense of humor. The boy in
school will laugh at this story both because it is a good one and
because he is a normal boy. If he does not laugh at such a story, there
is cause for anxiety as to his mental condition or attitude. If the
teacher cannot or does not laugh, a disharmony is generated at once
between teacher and pupil which militates against the well-being of the
school.
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