If they will trace back the logical steps of their reasoning until they reach the very first point at which they are once more in agreement, they will probably find that this is the point at which they went astray. In answering the question, What is wrong with man, we have a case in point. All are agreed something is wrong, but there is not the same agreement as to what it is and therefore how to deal with it. In due course he will learn by experience how to handle himself. The view held by those who believe in eugenics is that proper breeding will eliminate or greatly minimize the problem by a process akin to the inheritance of acquired characteristics in a specialized way.
Sociologists tend to argue that the problem is one of environment.
Allow a child to be brought up in an atmosphere where violence and dishonesty are considered proper, and you cannot expect anything but juvenile delinquency to result. The answer is to correct the environment. Educationists, like the Greek philosophers, have tended to equate sin with ignorance. In fairness to them it must be said there is considerable evidence that this optimistic view so characteristic of the close of the last century is receiving thoughtful reappraisal. Yet, the conviction is still very strong that if a man can only be shown what is best, he will adopt it.