Boys [should be] inured from childhood to trifling risks…
![“Boys [should be] inured from childhood to trifling risks and slight dangers of every possible description, such as tumbling into ponds and off of trees, etc., in order to strengthen their nervous system... They ought to practice leaping off heights into deep water. They ought never to hesitate to…” quote by R. M. Ballantyne](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/618/r-m-ballantyne-2-81482_boyhood_boys-should-be-inured-from-childhood-to_2055462.jpg)
““Boys [should be] inured from childhood to trifling risks and slight dangers of every possible description, such as tumbling into ponds and off of trees, etc., in order to strengthen their nervous system... They ought to practice leaping off heights into deep water. They ought never to hesitate to cross a stream over a narrow unsafe plank for fear of a ducking. They ought never to decline to climb up a tree, to pull fruit merely because there is a possibility of their falling off and breaking their necks. I firmly believe that boys were intended to encounter all kinds of risks, in order to prepare them to meet and grapple with risks and dangers incident to man’s career with cool, cautious self-possession...””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourages exposing boys to physical risks early to build resilience and confidence for adult challenges.
In simple terms: Early risk builds later strength.
Key Takeaway
Expose youth to safe challenges.
Themes
risk
resilience
masculinity
education
Mood
eneright
determined
Type
advice
educational
When to use this quote
- school sports
- outdoor education
- scouting
- team-building exercises
Key Concepts
character development
psychological robustness
adventure training
Questions to Reflect On
- How much risk is beneficial for development?
- What safeguards ensure safety while fostering resilience?
A Different Perspective
Excessive risk can cause injury or fear if not properly supervised.