The reform initiated by Harvard was adopted by the leading educational institutions throughout the country. Today our best colleges leave their students practically free from all restrictions. They are put upon their manhood, — their honor; they are trusted to govern themselves. They are trained to independence of thought and action, which makes them stronger, more independent, and more orderly men. Today there is not nearly so large a percentage of arrests or expulsions among Harvard students as before President Eliot introduced his reform, though the institution is very much larger now than it was then.

In order to develop strong independence and individuality there must be liberty of action. It is a thousand times better for a boy to make a mistake now and then, when acting on his own responsibility, than to go always just right while walking on crutches or being led or coerced by someone else. It is better for him to wobble a little when walking alone than to follow an absolutely straight line when being led. It is better for him to acquire self-confidence, even though he must pay for it by suffering defeat, than to be always led by someone else.