On Judging + 

Mitia, a boy of ten + 

Iliusha, a boy of nine + 

Sonia, a girl of six + 

Mitia + 

I told Peter Semenovich we could get used to wearing no clothes at all. And he said, “That is impossible.” Then I told him Michael Ivanovich said that just as we have managed to get our bare faces used to the cold, we could do the same with our whole body. Peter Semenovich said, “Your Michael Ivanovich is a fool.” He laughs. And Michael Ivanovich said to me only yesterday, “Peter Semenovich is talking a lot of nonsense. But, of course,” he added, “there’s no law for fools.” He laughs. + 

Iliusha + 

If I were you I would tell Peter Semenovich, “You abuse Michael Ivanovich, and he does the same to you.” + 

Mitia + 

No; but truly, I wish I knew which of them is the fool. + 

Sonia + 

They both are. Whoever calls another person a fool is a fool himself. + 

Iliusha + 

And you have called them both fools. Then you are one also. + 

Mitia + 

Well, I hate people saying things about each other behind their backs and never openly to their faces. When I am grown-up I shan’t be like that. I shall always say what I think. + 

Iliusha + 

So shall I. + 

Sonia + 

And I shall do just whatever I like. + 

Mitia + 

What do you mean? + 

Sonia + 

Why, I shall say what I think⁠—if I choose. And if I don’t choose, I won’t. + 

Iliusha + 

You’re a big fool, that is what you are. + 

Sonia + 

And you have just said you will never call people names. But of course.⁠ ⁠… + 