Euthenics, the science of controllable environment: A plea for better living conditions as a first step toward higher human efficiency — John Shaqi
Euthenics, the science of controllable environment: A plea for better living conditions as a first step toward higher human efficiencyRichards, Ellen H. (Ellen Henrietta)
Science
Euthenics, the science of controllable environment: A plea for better living conditions as a first step toward higher human efficiency
Richards, Ellen H. (Ellen Henrietta)
Euthenics
Evolution from within, not a dragging from outside, even if it is in
the right direction, is the method of human development.
Nevertheless, if the bale of hay is skillfully hung in front of the
donkey’s nose it will often serve to start the wheels on an easy road.
Evidence of the value of concerted effort by individuals and of the
power of suggestion was given by a woman’s club in a small town. The
members became aware of the dangers in exposed food, and on
investigation found their own market to be very low in standards of
cleanness. At a certain meeting they agreed to ask the proprietor why
he did not protect this and cover that article. Certain members were
told off for the duty and the days agreed upon. Mrs. A., making her
usual purchases, casually asked why such an article was not covered.
“I never thought about it,” was the answer. Mrs. B., the next day,
asked why such an article was left out for the flies. “I never thought
about the flies.” Mrs. C. asked the same question on the third day.
The proprietor said: “You’re the third woman who has asked me that. No
one ever suggested it before, but it would be a good idea.” Before the
end of two weeks the provisions and groceries were covered. The end
had been gained without resort to coercion.
We know that our capacity for mental and bodily work depends on our
supply of food. Proper food is necessary as a source of power for the
work of the body as well as to furnish material for growth and repair
of the losses of the body. Taking food is the most interesting of the
vital processes. It appeals to all the senses (except hearing).
Professor Dawson calls attention to the fact that the richest food
areas in the world have provided the most powerful stocks of men of
which we have any record, and it has been pointed out by many that
improper food is closely connected with mental and moral defects.
Strong men and women are not the product of improper food. Dr. Stanley
Hall says: “The necessity of judicious, wholesome food is
paramount.... You can educate a long time by externals and not
accomplish as much as good feeding will accomplish by itself. Children
must be supplied with plenty of nutritious food if they are to develop
healthily either in mind or body.”
Mr. Robert Hunter says: “All that we are, either as individuals or as
a complexly constituted society of men, is made possible by the food
supply.... Perhaps more than any other condition of life it lies at
the door of most of the social and mental inequalities among men.”
In these days of irresponsibility there is probably more harm done to
the health by ignoring physical law in the matter of eating than in
any other one thing.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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