They furnish meeting-grounds for many young men who otherwise would be driven, perhaps to the saloon, or if not, then to some cigar-store or other lounging-place, where at the best the conversation would not be elevating, and at the worst companionships might be formed which would lead to future disaster.
This passage from "The Strenuous Life" describes how community organizations provide alternatives to less desirable gathering places for young men, preventing potential negative influences.
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The man who does nothing cuts the same sordid figure in the pages of history, whether he be cynic, or fop, or voluptuary.
Practical equality of opportunity for all citizens, when we achieve it, will have two great results.
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