Father. What has he to do?
Sam. To guide the horses with the reins.
Father. This requires some dexterity; and it would require more, if the horses were spirited. He does not appear so active as the waterman, who exercises strength as well as dexterity.
Henry. I think, Papa, when we return home, and are out of all the bustle, it will be entertaining to talk of all the different trades and occupations in this way. Since we have been conversing, I have thought of a great many questions to ask. And we have not yet said any thing about the occupations that require skill, and knowledge, and genius, but——
Here the conversation was interrupted; as the coach was stopped in a narrow street by a crowd of people: on looking out it appeared that a workman had fallen from the scaffolding of a building, and had been much hurt. Several persons were carefully placing him on a shutter, in order to carry him to the hospital. A lady, who was passing, enquired of the poor man his name and place of abode, apparently with the design of affording relief to his family.
In the evening, after the three boys had talked over the occurrences of the day; their father said, “Now tell me how it is that men in civilized countries are able to execute great works, and to provide all those things that make life comfortable and agreeable?”
Henry. It is by joining together to help each other, in executing the things they contrive.
Father. In what way do they help each other? Do all do the same sort of thing?
Henry. No: one man does one sort of thing: and another man another sort of thing: every one does the particular thing he has been used to do, and what he understands best.
Father. Hence it follows, that the same degree of knowledge, and the same sort of ability are not necessary for all men alike. Great strength is necessary only for those who,——?