Pupils may not know what to answer when asked, “Why did you do so and
so?” The truth is the causes are numerous. The last cause may have been
the stumbling of one pupil over another one’s foot. But another cause
lies behind this—disrespect for the teacher; behind this, fondness for
another teacher. Why does a pupil act in a certain fashion? He is
underfed, improperly clothed, irritated from insufficient sleep—these
are all proper answers to the question, “Why?” Hence, every time the
query is put a teacher runs the risk of provoking a worse situation and
yet of gaining nothing from the inquisition.