My Ideal of Marriage

WHEN one undertakes to write something new about an institution so old as marriage, one must, at least, have the courage of one's convictions—plus something to say. The many readers of the Larson books will be assured at the outset of these two assets. Their chief curiosity will be as to how gently he will deal with this sacred theme. Mr. Larson has taught in all his books that progress is the inevitable law of life, and all that does not progress must be thrust aside. We are not surprised, therefore, to find him stating that "among the many institutions that will be affected directly and immediately by the great changes that are rapidly coming over the world, the institution of marriage is by no means the least important." Again he says, "Marriage today does not measure up to the new ideals of life ; and the modern home, with a few noble exceptions, does not possess those finer elements that alone can lift the race to a higher level of conduct and existence. A decided change, therefore, must come, both in the ideals of the home and in the ideals of the marital state; but we must understand the psychology of sex before we can proceed to bring about the change required."