Bolshevism for Babies by Oliver Herford
The work critiques a parenting guide that promotes questionable methods of child-rearing, equating its principles to radical ideologies. It begins by acknowledging the inherent flaws in human nature, suggesting that minor misdeeds in childhood can escalate into serious moral failings in adulthood if not addressed properly. The author argues that conventional wisdom on child training often overlooks the absurdity of certain approaches, particularly those that prioritize obedience through manipulation rather than genuine understanding. The text highlights a specific parenting philosophy that emphasizes obedience as a foundational principle, advocating for a strategy of only issuing commands that a child is likely to follow. This method is criticized for fostering a culture of compliance based on bribery and manipulation, rather than instilling true moral values. The author points out the contradictions in the guide, where the encouragement of obedience is couched in terms that ultimately undermine its integrity. A narrative example illustrates the flawed reasoning of the parenting guide, where a father encourages destructive behavior in his son rather than correcting it. This anecdote serves to underscore the absurdity of the advice given, suggesting that the mere act of disapproval from a parent can make a child more inclined to engage in the behavior being discouraged. The author expresses disdain for both the father and the children, but reserves the strongest criticism for the author of the parenting guide, whom they view as morally irresponsible. Overall, the work serves as a satirical examination of parenting philosophies that prioritize superficial compliance over meaningful moral education, warning against the dangers of neglecting the development of a child's ethical framework.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1920 · Genre: Satire, Non-fiction, Humor · 734 words
First lines
/ "That babies don't commit such crimes as forgery is true, / But little sins develop, if you leave them to accrue; / For anything you know, they'll represent, if you're alive, / A burglary or murder at the age of thirty-five."
When W. S. Gilbert wrote these lines, he stated in an amusing way a great / truth, for the doctrine of infant depravity and original sin thus lightly / touched upon is, when stripped of its Calvinistic mummery, a recognized / scientific verity.
What this Textopian page supports
Bolshevism for Babies is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Non-fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Philosophy
- Length: 734 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bolshevism for Babies by Oliver Herford
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Satire — The book critiques parenting philosophies through humor and irony, highlighting absurdities in child-rearing advice.
- Non-fiction — It discusses real concepts of child training and obedience, albeit in a satirical manner.
- Humor — The writing employs wit and comedic elements to convey its message about parenting.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on societal norms and practices regarding child upbringing and obedience.
Tags
Satire · Politics · Social Commentary · Children's Literature · Humor · Critique of Capitalism · Marxist Theory · Societal Satire · Anti-Imperialism · Class Struggle · Revolutionary Ideology · Propaganda