So it was that by frequently hearing words,
in different phrases, I gradually identified the objects which the
words stood for and, having formed my mouth to repeat these signs,
I was thereby able to express my will. Thus I exchanged with
those about me the verbal signs by which we express our wishes and
advanced deeper into the stormy fellowship of human life,
depending all the while upon the authority of my parents and the
behest of my elders.
CHAPTER IX
14. O my God! What miseries and mockeries did I then
experience when it was impressed on me that obedience to my
teachers was proper to my boyhood estate if I was to flourish in
this world and distinguish myself in those tricks of speech which
would gain honor for me among men, and deceitful riches! To this
end I was sent to school to get learning, the value of which I
knew not -- wretch that I was. Yet if I was slow to learn, I was
flogged. For this was deemed praiseworthy by our forefathers and
many had passed before us in the same course, and thus had built
up the precedent for the sorrowful road on which we too were
compelled to travel, multiplying labor and sorrow upon the sons of
Adam.
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