Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-04-09
Starting i'm Life.


The first great lesson young man
should learn is, that he knows nothing
The earlier and more thoroughly this les
son is learned the better. A homebred
youth, grown up in the light of parental
admiration, with everything TO foster his
vanity and self-esleem,is surprised 10 find,
and often unwilling to acknowledge, the
superiority of other people. But he is
compelled 10 learn his insignificance; his
arts are ridculed, his blunders exposed,
his wishes disregarded, and he is made to
cut very sorry figure, until his self con,
c,it is abased. and he feels that he knows
n ,tiiug.
Wnen young man has thoroughly
comprchended the fact that he knows
nothing. and tnat. intrinscally, he is Of
hut little value, the next lesson is, that the
world cares nothing for him lie is the
subject ofno n.an S overwhelming admire
ton; neither pilted by the one sex, moi
cnvied by the other, he has to ttKe care Of
himself. lie will not be noticed TIL hc
becomes noticeable; he will not become
noticeable until he does something 10
prove that he is OF some use 10 society,"
80 recommendation or introduction will
give him This; he must do elhing to be-
recognized us somebody. rhere Is penLy
Of room for men in the word. but there is
no room for idles. Society is not very
particular what II man does, rs long us lie
does something useful, to prove himself to
be Il man but it will not lake the matter
on trust.
There is no surer sign of an unmanly and
cowar,lly spirit, than Il vague desire for
help-t wish to depend, of lean on some
nody, and enjoy The fruits OF other peoples
industry. There are mulliludeS of youug
men who indulge in dreams OF help from
some quarter, coming in ut convenient
moment, TO enable them 10 secure the sue
cess in life which they covet. Thus, one
of The most painful signs in the world, is
that of young man with strong
constitution and prescntable figure,
standing with his hands in his pocket long
ing for help. There are positions in which
the most independent spirit may gracefully
and gratefully receive assiStance-may in
fact, as II choice of evils. desire it; but for
IL man who is able to help himself to seek
help from others, is positive proof that he
has been unfortunately trained, and that
an indolenL bias exists in his character.
Let us not be misunderstood. We would
not inculcate the pride of personal indie
pendence, which, in It's sensitiveness, re-
pcls The good Office of friends. What we
condemn in young man is the habit OF
dependence which makes him anxious to
accept rs II favor those things which he
might readily acquire by his own industri-
al eXerlions. A man who willingly re-
ceives assistance, especially if he las APP
piled for it, invariably sells himself to his
beneE.ctor, unless his patron happens to
be II man of sense, who is giving absolute
ly necessary assistance 10 one whom he
knows to be both sensible and honorable.
When young man has ascerLained the
fact that he knows nothing, AMI that the
world cares nothing about him, that his
success in life must depend ON his own ex-
ertionS, and that he must look to himself.
and not to others, for assistance, he is in "A
lair position for beginning lfe. The next
lesson is that OF patience. A man mus,
learn 10 wait rs well us work, and to he
content with those means OF advancement
in life which we may use with inteyritv
and honor. Patience is one of the most
difficult lessons TO learn 1t is natural far
the mind to look for immediate resplts
Let this, then, be understood ut startipv-
that the patient conquest of difficulties
which rise in the regular and legilim,,e
channel of business and enterprise is NOT
only essential in securing the success
which young man seeks in life, but es-
sentiaI also 10 that preparation of the mind
requisite for the enjoyment of success, and
for retaining it when gained. 1t is the
general rule in all the world, and in all
times. that unearned success is curse. IL
is rule also that the pr ocess of earainq
success shall be the prepar"ti ton for its
conversation and enjoyment. So, day by
day, and week by week-so, month after
month, and year after year. work on; and
Ia that process gain strength and symme.
try, nerve and knowledge. that when sue.
cess bravely and patiently acquired, shall
be yours, it shall lind you prepared to re.
'elve and to keep it. The development of
I'll your mental and moral qualities in the
brave battles of life will amply reward
iou for the struggle. 1t will help to make
| man of you, and give you not only self
aspect, but the respect of your fellows
md The public - Selected.