My Innocent Niece and Flattering,
Phoney Educationists
When kids are taught that they are geniuses
At this or that, while, frankly, they are duff
At it, we turn them in keeniuses—
Until they flop. Then we require hot stuff
Developed long ago: it’s common sense.
Combine this with abilities to see
And tell the truth and we can build a fence
Called honesty. Real knowledge then will be
The basis of society. Soft love
Ain’t good enough. Kids’ self-respect arrives
When actuality is set above
Fake praise. Those kids forced to adjust their lives
By sifting fact from falsity have had
Best teaching, severing the best from bad.