To avoid insanity, therefore, one should lead a righteous, industrious, sensible life, preserve as much equanimity as possible, and be content with moderate pleasure and moderate success. In many cases, people who are neurotic from early youth are so placed that unusual demands are made upon them. Adversity brings necessity for overwork, duties are manifold, and responsibilities are heavy. In ignorance of the fact that they are on dangerous ground and driven by circumstances, they overwork, cut short their sleep, and, conscientiously pressing on, finally lose their mental balance and insanity is the result, a great calamity which is really no fault of theirs. Undoubtedly such is frequently the sad history; and for this reason, as well as for the general reason that the insane are simply ill, all insane should be cared for sympathetically. To consider the insane as constantly malevolent is a relic of the old-time, absurd belief that insane people were "possessed of the devil." It is no disgrace to be insane, and the feeling of chagrin at discovering disease of the brain in a relative is another absurdity. Avoidance of insanity should be studied with as much devotion as avoidance of tuberculosis. Yet there should be no detraction from the fact that the heredity is strong. No one should be allowed to marry who has been insane, for the offspring of the insane are defective. The tendency of the times is toward nervous and mental disorder. In the large cities the strain is too constant, the struggle is too keen, the pace is too swift. Haste to be rich, desire to appear rich, or ambition for social distinction has wrecked many a bright, strong intellect. This is the age of the greatest luxury the world has ever seen, and a large proportion of people in cities are living beyond their means, in the gratification of luxurious desires or the effort to appear as well as others. Stress and strain are voluntarily invited. Children are pushed in their studies and overloaded with too many subjects. Genius and insanity, worry and dementia, proceed among us hand in hand; the overwrought brain finally totters. _False Ideas Regarding Insanity_