The Loeb-Leopold case - The Clarence Darrow Collection

The Loeb-Leopold Case
tired easily. He is rather inclined to be a leader
in athletics and games which he enjoys."
Why, the whole trouble with him is that he never
led the natural life that boys lead. He was always
kept in the house with his nose buried in some
serious, solemn volume. That is what we were told.
And the only time he had any boys was when Doc
White could put some interpretation upon those
boys which would lead to the conclusion of a dis-
eased mind. That is why we heard about the Teddy
bears and these various suits of his. He never went
out and played as boys play baseball, marbles and
other things, and yet when he is talking to the
doctor and the doctor reports to the three wise men
from the East, he says he is inclined to be a leader
in athletics and games, which he enjoys.
" He makes friends very easily and feels quite at
ease with strangers. He is inclined to be a leader
and likes to dominate his environments."
Well, isn't that natural? Everybody desires to
strive, to succeed and to lead. But the doctor adds,
" but can fit himself easily into any sort of a situa-
tion so that he does not become bothered or upset
if some one else happens to be dominating the very
situation and he is compelled to assume a minor
role."
Also: "While the patient often acts without re-
flection and is quite impulsive, he nevertheless plans
a great deal and works out consistent schemes for
the future."
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