My Head Filled Early with Rambling Thoughts — Raising Boys and Making Men

Abstract

That self-control was necessary for men seeking physical and emotional well-being inevitably raised concern about instilling such behaviour in boys. Charles Hardwicke was still endeavouring to establish good habits in his son as Charles Browne Hardwicke embarked on a naval career in 1803. His s even-page, closely written letter repeated advice which he had given so often in the past, from the youth’s duty to God, his parents and friends through to the summary that cleanliness, temperance, industry, veracity, honesty and integrity would ensure the young man’s ‘consistent protection of the Almighty and the friendship of good Men’. In between, Hardwicke repeated the advice of medical literature, conduct guides, religious tracts, educational instruction and those commentators who gave particular advice on being a man. He told young Charles to make an effort to write legibly and be accurate in his ‘figuring’, to write down his observations and take care of his books, to refrain from drinking, to keep himself clean physically and morally, and to be attentive in his dealings with other men’.¹

A thing to be managed with great discretion — A plain, English education? — Thousands of impressions are made upon us — Careful and wary conduct in the use of books — I had read Robinson Crusoe many times over, and longed to be at sea