Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-08-22
THE RUTLAND HERALD.
SATURDAY, AUGUST II, 1872.
ssWhat Next l''

At this season, when so many OF the
young men of the land are going out
upon the broad theatre of life from our
schools and colleges, the inquiry arises
what next? With all it is not easy to
answer the question what shall | do? at
once and satisfactorily. With an earnest
devotion to study, great natural capacl-
ty and marked success in the acquisition
Of knowledge, it not unfrequently oc-
curs that the determination of life-work
comes slowly. What is called accident
oftentimes discovers to the best and
richest minds what is their true voca-
ton. A sense of the poetic faculty first
awake in Wadsworth by noticing the
peculiar effect of the setting sun on the
leaves and limbs of live oak ; but long
years elapsed ere, recurring to that re-
collection, he felt distinctly his mission
to be the poetry of nature. What next
TO the young man is meant vocation.
1t is the duty of the hour; life's calling
is the way it points.
One of the broad marks of distinction
between this and other countries is
found in the readiness with which our
citizens adapt themselves to changing
circumstances. The fact that we can
turn our hands to anything gives assur-
ance of independence and success. In
England a seven years apprenticeship is
required before one is allowed q trade or
profession, and this arbitrary require
ment, tending, as it does, to keep men
ignorant of everything but this one oc-
cupation, holds them in a sort of bond
age.
He who knows only how to use the
spade, has ever been the serf of him who
owned the soil. The spirit of unrest
with which the Americans seem inspired,
has doubtless been, in some respects,
productive of evil. 1t has drained Yer
mont of many of her enterprising sons,
who might have remained at home and
gained the fame, comforts and luXuries
of life which they have sought in vain
in their pursuit of the setting sun.
Fenimore Cooper says in one of his
novels, "The prospect of heaven itself
would have no charms for an American
if he thought there was any place
further West"
Yet the knowledge of the fact that
the world is open to the young man to
go where he pleases, and choose what he
pleases fora vocation, gives strength and
manliness to the American character.
The idea is fast becoming absolete
that a man has capacity but for one pur-
suit. 1t has proved that the intense ap-
plication of the mind in one direction
like the continued exertion of one set of
muscles is injurious to the whole system.
Many minds have been OvertaslIed and
lost their balance at the moment of sue.
cess.
In answering the question - What
Next? the young man has broad tielC
to choose from, and each one must Sc
lect his vocation for himself. There are
natural aptitudes, educational prepare
tons, social influences, which call fol
the election of pursuits. The specia
bent of the inclination and tastes should
be ascertained. Too much in answering
the question-What Next? do youn!
men allow their calling to be- shaped by
circumstances. 1t often happens tina
this or that pursuit is adopted becaus
it is the prevailing one in the communi
ty. But young men of culture ought t.
have courage and insight into the world
ways to think for themselves, and t.
think correctly, and not allow their live
to be forced into the standard measur
which chances to be the dominant rul
of their community. Therefore whel
the question is under considerations
What Next ? remember that the genuin
man "Learns from the known to devel
OPP the unknown, and so he gradual.
becomes a master"