
audiobook
HIS CHANCES, HIS CHANGES, AND HOW HE CAME OUT. - BY - WILLIAM HAWLEY SMITH. - MDCCCXCVII.
THE EVOLUTION OF "DODD." - CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
In a modest household where the rhythm of daily life mirrors that of countless families, a boy named Dodd is born, heralded by celebrations that feel both ordinary and extraordinary. From his first cry, the narrator notes a subtle, persistent individuality that sets him apart even among a crowd of similar souls. The opening frames his early world as a laboratory for the age‑old idea of “survival of the fittest,” hinting that his growth will be measured against both family expectations and societal norms. It introduces the Weaver parents, especially a young minister father who sees his son as a living embodiment of inherited virtues.
The story then follows Dodd’s first years as a quiet experiment in self‑discovery, where teachers, traditions, and personal curiosity clash and cooperate. Readers watch him grapple with the pressures of a name steeped in legacy while trying to carve out his own path. As a pedagogical tale, the narrative blends gentle philosophy with everyday scenes, inviting listeners to reflect on how each person’s unique gifts can be nurtured—or suppressed—by the institutions that surround them.
Full title
The Evolution of "Dodd" A pedagogical story giving his struggle for the survival of the fittest, tracing his chances, his changes, and how he came out A pedagogical story giving his struggle for the survival of the fittest, tracing his chances, his changes, and how he came out
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (246K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Sep 8, 2004
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1845–1922
Best known for blending education, social ideas, and early science fiction, this Illinois educator-turned-lecturer wrote books that range from classroom reform to satirical novels. His work offers a lively glimpse into late-19th- and early-20th-century American thought.
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