Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1861-02-28
Success in the World.

We seldom meet with person who IN the
course of a brief conversation docs not complain
Of his i'll success in lf, Among young men
this is peculiarly the case. They at the ontset
set up an ideal, and then complain because they
do not easily reach it, Regrets at their failure
soon give place to permanent msanthropy, and
thence-forward their efforts are unavailable,
either to advance their own condition or to
improve that of their fellow men. Some one
has remarked that labor for labor $ sake is
against nature, and, strictly construed, this is
true, but the inference generally drawn from it
is anything bat correct 1t is perfectly true
that no man will labor merely for the sake Of
working but many will work, and cheerlully,
too, though the direct profit therefrom may be
scarcely pcrceptible. The scholar in school
pores over his books not so much with tho view
to the II Inmate benefit he may derive therefrom,
as from desire to maintain respectable posi-
ton in his class, or perhaps for the qualification
which an accomplished task affords him, The
clerk or apprentice while engaged in the dull
routine Of the beginning of his trade or Office
often regrets that his school days are past, often
signs for those days Of boyhood, with which he
was dissatisfied while they were passing, and it
is not until later period when he comprehonds
his trade or understands bis books that he be-
gins to reap the reward Of his early labor. As
tttna rol1e an ho hnyina IA pnrcaiva tho pncaeoit
Of that which be formerly regarded as restraints
and har1ships His early denials have perfect.
ed his character, his Incl pient trials have chas
tened his feelings and the difficulties to which
he had been subjected have prepared him in
some measure to make his way in the world
What then shall young man do to attain that
success to which every one aspires Let him
first resolutely refuse to embark in an occupa.
ton forwhich his organization and talents are
not fitted, for no man can succeed in any pur-
suit to which bis inclinations do not tend No
matter how much money he may have, or how
many influential friends, if by the adsice Of the
latter he allows himself to be placed in stua-
ton for which he is not by nature or education
fitted, his defeat is certain. II the parents or
guardians of young man have not the sense to
perceive his radical tendencies, they ought to
commit him to other hands. But il this is not
done, the young man himself ought to consult
lie own tendencies, and enter upon an ayocation
which promises TO yield him an adequate return
for his labors. Having done this, let him ad
here toNhe avocation he has chosen. and devote
his'wfS3 energies thereto. Success nova days
is accomplished by no half way efforts. Nor
should the young man be discouraged if success
90 not Immediately crown his Efforts, and still
less should temporal difficulties induce him to
change his occupation. Those who have been
most successful in the afflirs of life have en-
c1un,orcd and overcome discouragemeuts in their
early lie, to which less resolutc minds would
have yielded Their resolution has been the
cause Of their success, and their eminence in
their respective professions, and the property
they have acquired, attest their energy and their
persistence.
Let our young men then when they commence
active life choose a profession or occupation
which will exact all the manlness of which they
are capable. Let them be sura that the branch
in which they engage is not oyercrowde1, and
that the community will require and reward
their service. Let them see that their nature
and acquired tastes are in accordance with thu
ayocatIon which they adopt. Having done all
this, then defy discouragement and persevere.-
Then will their early years be useful their mid
die age respectable, and in the decline of lite
honor, wealth, and happiness will lt:oal them
and their influence in the world will be remem
bercd by their offspring and friends with pride
and pleasure.