Page:Philosophy and Fun of Algebra.djvu/66

PHILOSOPHY AND FUN OF ALGEBRA to cyclists," I hope you would have sense enough not to think—"What do those old fogies know about the needs of the young generation? I have a right to go fast if I choose, and I shall have my jolly spin in spite of them." Nor would you say: "I can take care of myself, and if I run into somebody else that is his look out." If you are an experienced cyclist you would keep on your seat, and go cautiously; if you are still a very inexperienced one, it would be wise to get off your cycle, and not mount again till you had come to the curve, and gone round it, and seen what is beyond.

The notice board is not an actual prohibition to go along the "King's highway" if you choose. The people who put up the board have no authority over you. But your own instincts of self-preservation, and I hope also your instinct of loyalty and good comradeship with the possible other cyclist who may be at the bottom of the hill, would suggest to you not to throw away the guardianship of a caution from those who know more than you do about the road. 62