Children, who have so much to learn in so short a time, had involved the tendency to trust adults to instruct them in the collective knowledge of our species, and this trust confers survival value. But it also makes children vulnerable to being tricked and adults who exploit this vulnerability should be deeply ashamed.
Children inherently rely on adults because they need guidance in navigating the vast knowledge of the world. This trust is vital for their survival and helps them learn effectively. However, this same trust can make them susceptible to manipulation, as not all adults have their best interests at heart.
Goldstein emphasizes that the exploitation of this vulnerability by unscrupulous adults is morally reprehensible. It is crucial for society to protect children and ensure that their trust is not misused, as their development depends significantly on the interactions they have with adults.
