Folks aren't born bad. You can't
inherit your parents' badness. You could inherit their weak wills, for
instance, and if you live in Minetta Lane where there's only badness
about you, your weak will wouldn't let you stand out against the
badness. But you can't inherit evil. If that were possible, humanity
would have degenerated to utter brutality long ago. And, Enoch, you
haven't inherited even a weak will. You're as obstinate as old Funny
Face!"
"Then you think--" faltered the boy.
"I don't think! I know that you come of fine, upstanding stock! And
it's about time you moved out of Minetta Lane and gave your good blood
a chance!"
Enoch's lips quivered, and he turned his head toward the fire. Seaton
waited, patiently. After a while he said, "Enoch, the most important
thing in a man's life is his philosophy. What do you think life is
for? By what principles do you think a man ought to be guided? Do you
think that the underlying purpose of life is dog eat dog, every man for
himself, by whatever method? That's your gambler's philosophy. Or do
you think we're put here to make life better than we found it? That
was Abraham Lincoln's philosophy. Before you decide for the Grand
Canyon or for New York, you ought to discover your philosophy.
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