Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1877-06-06
SeIf-Made Men.

ceptatien of the term, are those who,
with but few outward opportunities,
have by their own unaided energies
risen to acknowledged greatness. -
There is some danger, however, lest
in bestowing this appellation ex-
clusively upon such persons we con-
yey the impression that those who
possess the advantages of instruction,
training and assistance, cannot be self
made. 1t is a truth which is some.
times overlooked that, whatever there
is valuable or excellent about man,
comes primarily from his own capacl-
ty, energy and industry. The most
generous education can never supply
the lack of brains, Or implant mate
power, or compel untiring persever-
ance. If they could, there might be
some justice in regarding the academy
or university as the rival of selfedu-
cation, and in distinguishing rigidly
between the self. made man and the
college made man. AS it is, everyone
whose lite amounts to anything at all
is self-made in the true sense, whether
he be favored with outward helps or
not. He must not only supply the
foundation Of a capacity to learn, but
must also furnish a continual relay Of
power in the form of assiduous and
patient labor. fine fails in this, no
system of instruction, however ad-
mirable, no corps of teachers, how.
ever able, no amount OF wealth, how
ever iudiciously expended can ever
avail to give HIM significance as a
scholar. He must be self-made, if
made at all, though be be surrounded
from infancy with every appliance
that money or affection or wisdom can
suggest.
The same thing holds good of ex-
cellence in all other pursuits. If a
man Is to becomes superior mechanic,
or merchant, or physician, or artist,
he must be selt-made, whatever be his
advantages Of training or instruction.
The force to overcome obstacles and
the courage to face difficulty, the
ability to form wise plans and the
energy to execute them, the patience
to wait for SUCCESS, and the industry
to secure it, must all come from with
in. Without these, it is ofno avail
that the boy be placed in the best
mercantile house, that the apprentice
be trained by the most skilltul artisan,
that the medical student be prepared
by the most learned professors. 1t
will all end in disappointment and
failure, if he put not his own shoulder
to the wheel, with a vital power that
no outside influences can supply.
1t would, however, be folly, for this
reason, to undervalue the helps we
obtain from external sources. Indeed,
it is only as we assign to them their
true Office that we can appreciate their
real worth. They cannot, it is true,
make valuable men, but, when rightly
used, they eau vastly aid men in ma,
king themselves valuable. There are
but few who can rise to greatness in
any branch without such aids. o.
casionally great man astonlshes us
by the heights TO which he climbs,
unsupported save by his own mental
strength and powerful will. But these
are exceptional characters, and might
have risen to still loftier eminenoes
had they been favored with more
propitious circumstances. Most Of us
need all the help we can obtain-the
discipline OF the schools, the training
of the faithful instructors, the hints
and suggestions of experts IN our
special callings, and every other out
side influence that can be brought to
bear upon our improvement-in order
that we may attain moderate degree
of excellence. Gladly should we well
come all such assistance, eagerly grasp
it, and earnestly strive to profit by 1t,
only remembering that it can never
supplaut, but only supplement and in
vigorate, our own exertions. Just as
the warm sun rays and refreshing
rain drops descend to bless the plant
that is charged with vitality, but tall
powerless on one without root or sap,
SO outside help is invaluable to the
energetic living worker, but impotent
to one who lacks brains or energy, or
the will to exert them.
1t is especially encouraging to one
who can command but few external
advantages, to reflect that he is by no
means dependent upon them for his
success in life. 1t is true that the best
results may be expected where
strOno selfenerpy comes under wise