The Inventions of the Idiot

"You have just said that you did not listen to the lecture. How do you know that what you say is true?" put in the Bibliomaniac. "I know Professor Peterkin," said the Idiot. "Does he know you?" sneered Mr. Pedagog. "I don't think he would remember me if you should speak my name in his presence," observed the Idiot, calmly. "But that is easily accounted for. The Professor never remembers anybody but himself." "Well, I admit," said Mr. Pedagog, "that the Professor's lectures were rather advanced for the comprehension of a person like the Idiot, nevertheless it was an enjoyable occasion, and I doubt if the fulminations of our friend here will avail against University Extension." "You speak a sad truth," said the Idiot. "Social fads are impervious to fulmination, as Solomon might have said had he thought of it. As long as a thing is a social fad it will thrive, and, on the whole, perhaps it ought to thrive. Anything which gives society something to think about has its value, and the mere fact that it makes society think is proof of that value." "We seem to be in a philosophic frame of mind this morning," said Mr. Whitechoker. "We are," returned the Idiot. "That's one thing about University Extension. It makes us philosophic. It has made a stoic of my dear old daddy." "Oh yes!" cried Mr. Pedagog. "You have a father, haven't you? I had forgotten that."