Lesson 3: “Why Boys Fail in College” by Herbert E. Hawkes. In Lesson 3, the author identifies two main classes of boys who do not reach their academic potential in college: those who try but struggle to concentrate, and those who do not try.
The first category includes boys with nervous habits, like constantly sharpening pencils, making it difficult for them to focus on their studies. The author suggests that overcoming these habits requires self-discipline and cannot be easily eradicated by others.
The second common cause of failure is a mistaken ambition imposed by parents. Some boys may lack interest and motivation in their studies because they are pursuing careers dictated by their parents rather than following their own passions and abilities.
The author admits to having made enemies among parents by suggesting that their sons may not be suited for certain professions chosen for them. However, he argues that it is crucial for boys to pursue what genuinely interests them rather than conforming to parental expectations.
Ultimately, the author emphasizes that a boy’s failure may stem from an unwillingness to engage in work that is personally distasteful or not aligned with his true aspirations. He asserts that reason alone cannot dictate a person’s interests and that, in many cases, the boy should be allowed to follow his own path to success.