The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1875-06-18
Help Yourself.

We hear a great deal said about
"Self-made men," But there is q covert
fallacy in enc phrase in that it seems
TO imply that there are some men that
are not self-made. Whereas the fact is
that every man whose makeup,
whose character, is strong and efficient
is self-made The fallacy lies in the
implication that circumstances some
times make the man, that eno's environ
ment may be mainly instrumental in
making great and useful man of him.
This is not merely false, 10 is a really
injurious notion, because it cuts the
sinews of strength by taking away the
greatest incentive TO self-reliance and
self-exertion. No man Ia worthily
"made" and capable Of great achieve
ments who is the creature of circum-
stances. No combination of favoring
circumstances can make a man of one
who does not feel and act as il his fu-
ture depended vastly more upon himself
than upon his environment. It is very
doubtful whether outside help in the
shape of wealth and influential friends
is really conducive to the attainment Of
greatness of character, which is, after
all, the most desirable distinction. Such
help may be and often is hindrance,
because it relieves q man Of the neces
sity of self-exertion. "The kingdom of
God is within you" says the great
Teacher. And some one ftly adds I:
eff it is not there, it is nowhere. !"
Besides meaning a great deal more,
this text certainly means that mans
richest possessions and resources are in
himself, and that he should look for
true greatness and happiness in self
development.
The fact is, will is destiny in a much
larger sense than the majority appre-
hend. Making adequate allowance for
the differences of natural endowment
il nevertheless remains that the man
with the most meager endowments may
work out for himself worthy il not
an illustrious career in life. Circum-
stances can only be helpful when a man
is self helpful. If he relies upon ex-
traneous help the most encouraging
surroundings will prove an incubus to
him. But if he will rely upon himself,
and help himself, he can make the most
unpropiti6us circumstances bend to his
purpose.
Many people never acquire spirit OF
abu BAAA@ANnnt
but seem to always require bolstering
in otdeg 10 walk or stand at all. This
may be partly owing to the fact that
they are naturally weak, but 1t is more
frequently because they are essentially
lazy. They go through life relying on
others without ever testing their own
resources. At best they appear TO be
capable Of only spasmodic self exertion,
but for the most part they spend their
time Micaber-like, waiting for some
thing to turn up"
1t may be natural for men to want
help. Perhaps none are beyond the
need of it. But every man should do
his best to be independent, or, at least,
to convince his fellows that he has a
Just claim upon their confidence by
proving himself efficient and capable.
The chronic habit which some men have
of always looking for position, and seek
ing situations for which they are not
qualified, is as paralyhing to themselves
as it is reprehensible. Yet many sue
ceed, and in succeeding lose the very
stimulus they need TO make the most of
themselves. Having gained the coveted
position through theinfuence of friends,
they make a sinecure of it, and only
hold it through the forbearance and
support of others. How many positions
in church and state are mere sinecures,
the incumbents of which never render
g,Iid pro quo for what they get? And
yet men are greedy for such positions,
and constantly struggling TO obtain
them. A true man ought to fling away
such paltry ambitions and despise the
1t havvfnv Nhat for
which he does not render an adequate
equivalent in service and skill. He
should prefer to live on a crust in
hovel rather than have that which he
cannot earn.
What men need more than position is
character, and character can only be
achieved by manful, persevering self
exertioh. The positions that are worth
having always seek men of character
and capaci Y. Opportunity will avail
nothing unless man is equal to it.
Instead of always waiting for and seek
ing position, the self-helpful, capable
man either makes position seek him or
makes a position for himself. He con-
trolls in a great measure his circum-
stances, and even levies tribute upon
the obstacles and disadvantages he has
to contend with by deriving from them
stimuli to increased exertion. 1t is the
prerogatiye of the self-rciiant man to
overcome all obstacles, and, making
them stepping stones to higher vantage
ground, become stronger by the re-
peated conquests of difficulties.
Not that a man should defy or court
opposition. 1t will come without seek
in0 Rut LET him not be discouraged
by it. Rather let him regard it as his
to show himself man,
and by surmounting it vindicate his
title to the respect and confidence of his
fellows.