From the preface: This volume is another consequence of my persistent effort to understand human nature. To me there is nothing in life more fascinating than a bewildering bit of human behavior, and nothing more satisfying than a good approximation toward its explanation. The next most fascinating thing is to lead others into an understanding of the explanations I have found.

For many years I have taught classes of older college students who were consciously preparing for the responsibilities of social leadership and parenthood. For our use I have searched the literature of the psychology of adolescence, and have directed researches, that we might have at our command the best that was available.”