The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-05-14
PHILOSOPHY OF LABOR.

There are many circumstances ia life which
compel men to follow occupations for which they
have no natural aptitude or talent but il Is NOT
the less true that success depends very materially
upon the choice Of that particular business, trade
or profession most cougenia to taste and ability.
As there are no two men alike in their mental
en1owmsnts, it must follow tha. each individual
is better fitted to some one occupation than to
any other. Some there are, indeed, who for want
of native energy or t&ct will never attain q
marked success in anything they undertake; and
others gifted with versatility Of talent that
enables them to accomplish many different things
equally well; but these are the acceptions, and
the great majority Of mankind will do better in
the long run by sticking TO some one occupation.
The choice Of this should devoye on the indivd-
ual, and should never be arbitrarily fixed for him,
even by his parents. So much depends on this
beginning tha: whole lifetime may be wasted
by radical mistake. The boy who would have,
distinguished himself as an engineer or inventor
may entirely throw away bis energies in the vain
endeavor 10 become a lawyer or doctor; young
men whose talents fit them for mercantile pur-
suits, often spend their time unproftably in call
ings requiring the very opposite class of talents.
So of all the occupations of life. If men are not
at least tolerably adapted to them, :hey will not
fail of excellence and fortune. but the toll which
should be pleasure is weariness and drudgery.
The true aim of life is not TO make fortune, nor
to gain reuown, though both are desirable and
useful rewards of well directed labor. But the
greater part and the best part of life must be spent
in labor either physical or mental, and though
many affect to consider this a misfortune, il 10
really necessity. apar. from the substantial re-
suits that follow it. As of this, We find men who
inherit fortunes, if they are Of any mind or char
aeter, generally choosing some occupation, and
laboring at it often quite as hard their less
wealthy neighbors. Idleness is not luxury, but
rest after labor is 1t is serious question whether
those whose fortunes deprive them of the usual
stimulus to toll are really as happy as others who
depend on toll for living. The ioil, however.
to be agreeable, should be congenial. 1t is this
love Of labor, which particularly distinguishes
Americans, that hss led to so many grand dis
coveries and wonderful achievements in the pres
ent century When men choose their work
Alright they enjoy it for the remainder of their
lives, and makes improvements in il that outlive
themselves and benefit posterity. Men have dis
lingu shed themselves in the most humble ca!lings
by their own superior talents, while q whole life
may be passed in those fields of labor, commonly
reckoned the highest, without even moderate
success The natural inference is, that young men
after having been given fair general education,
should choose, where they can, their own pursuits
in life; and having chosen, they sbond bring all
their talents and energies to bear upon the calling
of their choice, take through interest in il, and
determine to enjoy their work. In ninety nine
cases out of a hundred fortune comes to those who
WOO her in this practical and straightforward man.
ner.-New York .Sun. .r.