The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-20
Good Luck.
Toledo Blade,

"Every man is the architect of his own
fortune" This is an excellent thing to
saw; it is good thing to- believe, for
'Shen an individual feels that upon him.
self depends his future if he has ambi-
ton, courage, and determination, he
works with a good will that is sure to ac-
complish much Of what he hoped and de-
sired and sometimes, all. But that this
result is invariable is not true as any one
who looks around him can readily discov-
er. Earnest, industrious workers, with a
single end and aim 10 reach, honest and
true in every circumstance Of life, some
times fail utterly in fulfilling their dreams,
and it is said of them simply, "they are
not successful" while the wonder grows
that they have not been rewarded for all
of their effort.
The fact is incontrovertible that aside
from all work, ability, determination and
high-reaching aspirations, there is such a
thing as good luck, pure and unadultera-
ted, outside and beyond everything else,
which sometimes brings fame and fortune
to those by whom they do not seem 10
have been deserved. The existence of
this something which often works an ap.
parent injustice, called by Christians,
Providence, and by. worldlings, Luck, is
recognized by everybody.
"There is divinity that shapes Cur
ends, rough hew them as we may" is sim.
ply an expression OF this recognition. Ex-
amples of the work of this influence are
seen every dav, and men are commended
for success which they have not earned,
and which would have come TO them, per.
haps, in some form, had they sat still with
out putting forth hand even to grasp it,
as it approached, while their neighbor has
toiled and struggled, only to see the prize
fit by into the hands of another. This is
a discouraging view of the case, but it is
well to face the truth be it ever so palata-
bic.
Much there may be in taking life ''at the
tlood,' could that critical moment only be
recognized-if, as the poet says, it comes
TO all--but the great majority are blind to
its approach and the waters roll away for
ever while they know it not, No good
angel whispers to them that now is the
fortunate hour, this the lucky chance, and
thCF 80 oii pC"tihS PdihiuiiV aSaldst tne
dead wall of disappointment, or settle
down to inane passive endurance which
lasts until life goes out forever OF the
two conditions the first is infinitely pref
cradle both for the individual and the
world.
Considering these things it is not much
wonder that the question is often asked,
Of what use TO work and struggle, if no
end is to be subserved. There is an end,
and desirable one. Every human being
is better and happier, for making the most
of himself in this world, even if it brings
neither money Or fame. And the Blade
does not wish to be understood that all so
called success in life is the result of good
luck alone. Far from it. The culture
that comes from hard study, the skill
obtained BY constant application, unweary-
ing determination and industry, are gen.
orally sure to bring some reward, while
good luck without effort rarely smiles up
on humanity. 1t is safe, then, to try for
the good things of life, while hoping that
good luck may add its gifts to your eff
forts.