The book is divided into two parts. The first forms a survey of the inadequacies of the Swiss school system in the early twentieth century (but the issues it discusses were universal ones which were just as prevalent in the English school system of that time). The second part of the book is a collection of testimonies from former pupils on the worst aspects of their schooling. With reference to the ideals of Pestalozzi the author proposes ways in which to find constructive solutions to the problems of harsh teachers, schools and de-motivated pupils.