
Les mains propres
An intimate guide for parents who wish to raise their children outside the confines of rigid doctrines, this essay invites readers to question every habit and tradition they inherit. The author argues that true education begins with thoughtful reflection—asking why we act rather than simply following the crowd—and encourages families to forge fresh, uncertain paths together, hand in hand.
The first part explores the universal drive toward happiness, portraying it as an instinct shared by all living beings, from the smallest microbe to the bustling city dweller. By examining how desire and avoidance of pain shape our choices, the writer offers modest, practical ideas for nurturing curiosity, confidence, and moral independence in young minds. Throughout, the tone remains thoughtful and supportive, providing a roadmap for parents eager to model authenticity and cultivate an environment where children can discover their own direction.
Language
fr
Duration
~5 hours (308K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Paris: Ernest Flammarion, 1919.
Credits
Laurent Vogel and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Release date
Aug 25, 2023
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1937
A French novelist and diarist with a sharp eye for his times, he wrote fiction, memoir, and wartime reflections that still feel vivid today. His work ranges from social novels to speculative tales, with a strong human and often pacifist streak.
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