And he thus becomes engaged in some particular calling and career in life, before he is fit to decide intelligently what is best for him. Because of that, we should never expect success to be easy or straightforward. We may have to backtrack, or revise our aims. We may hit many dead ends before finding the path that is right for us. But learning comes from trying.
Life is experiment.
We properly begin our experiments of success with what we like and desire, but then just as properly must evaluate what results and make any changes that seem reasonable to make. In fact, it is always reason that should be our tutor in this educational experience. And Cicero thinks that propriety in life consists in learning who you are and then holding firm to it, however difficult or unpopular that may be. For it is of no avail to fight against one s nature or to aim at what is impossible of attainment. And he wants to encourage us to cultivate both the courage and forethought necessary for the ability to persist in what we think is right.