The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1867-08-09
The Philosophy OF Labor.


There are many circumstances IN
in life which compel men to follow
OCCUPATIONS for which they have no
natural aptitude or talent but 1t is
moi the lesa true that success depends
very materially upon the choice OF
that particular business, trade or pro-
fession most congenial to taste ana
ability. As there are no two men
alike in their mental endowments, 1t
must follow that each individual is
better fitted to some one occupation
than TO any other Some there are,
indeed, who for want of native energy
or tact will never obtain marked
success in anything they undertake ;
others are gifted with versatility OF
talent that enables them to accom-
plish many different things equally as
well; but these are the exceptions;
and the great majority of mankind
will do better in the long run by stick
ing to some occupation. The choice
of this should devolve on the individu-
al, and should never be arbitrarily
fixed for him, even by his own pa
rents. SO much depends on this be-
ginning, that whole lifetime may be
wasted by radical mistake. The boy
who would distinguish himself as an
engineer or inventor, may entirely
throw away his energies in the vain
endeavor to become lawyer or n
doctor; young men whose talents fit
them for pursuits, often spend their
time unproftably in callings requiring
the very opposite class of talents. So
of all the occupations of life. II men
are not at least tolerably adapted to
them, they will not only fail to excel
lence and fortune, but the toll which
should be pleasure is WEAKNESS and
drudgery. The true aim of life is not
to make fortune, nor to gain renown,
though both are desirable and useful
rewards of we'll directed labor. But
the greater part and best part of life
must be spent in labor, either physical
or mental, and though many affect to
consider this misfortune, it is really a
necessity, apart from the substar tlal
results that follow it.
As proof of this, we find men who
inherit fortunes, if they are of any
mind or character, generally choosing
some occupation, and laboring at i
often quite us hard as their less veal
thy neighbors. Idleness is not lux
ury, but rest after labor is. 1t is Sc
rious question whether those who's
fortunes deprive them of the usefu
stimulus to toll are really as happy a
others who depend OH toll for living
The toll, however, to be agreeable
should be congcnial. 1t is the love o
labor which particularly distinguish
Americans, that has led to so man
grand discoveries and wonderful
achievements in the present century
When men choose their work arigh
they enjoy it for the remainder of thei
lives; and make improvements i'll
that outlive themselves, and benef
posterity. Men have distinguishe
themselves in the most humble calling
by their own superior talents, while
whole life may be passed in those field
OF labor commonly reckoned the higl
est, without even q moderate success
The natural inference is that youn
men, after having been given ia
general education, should choose, whe
they can, their own pursuits in if
and having chosen, should bring q
their talents and energies to bear upC
the calling of choice, take thoroue
interest in it, and determine to enj,
their work. In ninety-nine cases o
of hundred, fortune comes to tho
who WOO her in this practical al
straightforward manner.-Ne,O 70
Sun.