Argument and persuasion had been tried without any effect. Although at bottom the man knew that he ought to go his determination to stay where he was increased with each suggestion to the contrary. Finally the social worker said to him:
"I've tried my best to induce you to go to the sanatorium. But since you will not do so, I'm not going to try any longer. We'll do the best we can to make you comfortable at home and we'll not mention the sanatorium any more."
When the man found himself with nothing to oppose he became less certain about his desire to continue in the city, and very shortly he began to make plans for going away for treatment. After the social case worker had yielded, the man could not help feeling, now that he had succeeded in having his way, a little ashamed of his perverseness.
Pride, and its corollary shame, are among the strongest motives to which one can appeal.
"Why, you're a slacker, aren't you?" said a social case worker to a boy as he entered her office one morning during the war, coughing heavily.
The boy straightened up and took a step forward almost as if he were about to strike her.
