And no criminality, I also decided.

That would be almost as disastrous as to be a labourer.

Brains paid, not brawn, and I resolved never again to offer my muscles for sale in the brawn market.

Brain, and brain only, would I sell.
I returned to California with the firm intention of developing my brain.
This meant school education.

I had gone through the grammar school long ago, so I entered the Oakland High School.