But even here, at this preliminary stage, we shall find that the equality of opportunity is to a large extent illusory.

Let us suppose that there are two boys, equal in general intelligence, and unequal only in their powers of mental concentration, who start their study of German side by side in the same class-room.

One boy, in the course of a year or so, will be able to read German books almost as easily as books in his own language, while the other will hardly be able to guess the drift of a sentence without laborious reference to his hated grammar and dictionary.

Now, when once a situation such as this has arisen, the opportunities of the two boys have ceased to be equal any longer.

The one has placed himself at an indefinite advantage over the other, which is quite distinct from the superiority originally inherent in himself.