Snopes one day i overheard the teacher tell the inspector that i was 'addled' and it would not be worthwhile keeping me in school any longer. i was so hurt by this last straw that i burst out crying and went home and told my mother about it. then i found out what a good thing a good mother is. she came out as my strong defender. mother love was aroused, mother pride wounded to the quick. she brought me back to the school and angrily told the teacher that he didn't know what he was talking about, that i had more brains than he himself, and a lot more talk like that. in fact, she was the most enthusiastic champion a boy ever had, and i determined right then that i would be worthy of her and show her that her confidence was not misplaced