The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-10-13
Agriculture and the Professions.

When young men about completing their
education, they very wisely ask themselves what
they shall do. A few, scanning the various pur.
SUITS luckily hIt on something in harmony with
their tastes, while the greater part look only 20
the professions as the legitimate sphere Of educa-
ted men. Now this conclusion is all wrong. A
college education aims at a professional life no
more than any other; tut only at general dis
cipline and culture Of mind which may be applied
TO all pursuits. There are, doubt. some in each
class, who are ada pied 10 and will honor any Of
the professions but the greater part are not and
they enter them rather because they are honor
able, than in hopes of honorng them. But we
have little sympathy with those lumnarIes which
seek TO shine bya reflected light. We have been
taught to believe that the man should honor his
office, not the office the and that it Is better
TO move at the head Of even humble calling,
than follow in the rear Of dignifed profession.
We would rather raise potatoes which somebody
will eat, than make speeches which no one vii!
hear, or write books which one will read.
But if these young gentlemen will carefully
look around, they will perhaps find other avenues
to wealth and distinction, besides the professions.
Take fer instance, agriculture-not simply the
art of pIowIng the ground, but agriculture viewed
in all its practical and scientific bearings, and
they will possibly find scope for the display of at
least moderate capacities. Indeed, if we mistake
not, some enter the professions, who would not
find waste Of talent in agricultural pursuits, and
who are quite we'll suited to them. But so
many young men are capivated with the idea OF
professional political titles and life, that they
overlook what they call the humber aVocations.
So away they go, talking of Robert Halls and
Daniel Websters, between whom and themselves
there is no more comparison than between the
Alps and an an.hill. We would not be thought
10 underrate the professions by any means; but
We believe strongly in an adaptation, itaess for
things. If man has not natural capacity for
one pursuit let him take up another for which he
has a natural capacity. Better handle The p!ow
with grace, than make stupid argument.
Nor yet does this avocation preclude access to
political distinction, TO hich many young men
aspire. We know some farmers who stand
good chance for Office as many Of their profess
slonal brethren, and who we'll able 10 fou-
rish as delicate a hand, TT quiddIe accurately,
or tall as honiedly; but 10 good sense and sound
judgment-the essential elements OF a man-lhey
are by no means inferior. We always like TO see
such men-good honest souls Nv no lean not on
{ he dignity of their Professions, hni ihn",salsns
Such ut once the strength and pride of
the country.
Let not young men, therefore. think profess
sion the " sine qua non'' Of human greatness, but
let them cast about and see what they fitted
and have taste for. They will go to work thor
oughly and earnestly, and be sure to succeed,
while on the other hand, they will most surely
fail.-American AericuhurtSt.