New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-23
CAREERS FOR THE COMING MEN,
PRACTICAL AND AUTHORITATIVE DISCUSSIONS OF THE
PROFESSIONS AND CALLLNGS OPEN TO
YOUNG AMERICANS
TEACHING.
BY RUSH LID

In this day OF increasing regard for an esti-
mate of success which can he expressed in
money values two professions in which the
prospect of money compensation is OF negative
significance continue to attract able men. 1t
has been often remarked OF late that in number
and quality there is a diminution in acCessions
to the ministry. 1t is probable that there is a
corresponding increase in the number of young
men who are looking toward teaching their
life work Although very many positions that
were formerly filed almost exclusively by men
are now as generally given over to women, yet
the increase in the number of our higher schools,
colleges and universities has maintained so
active demand for men that large numbers
are each year attracted to the profession Of
teaching.
I. Three impulses operating either singly or in
combination lead young men 10 devote them
selves to this profession:
The first is the love Of study for It's own
sake This has been stimulated and INDUCED
during all the time the young man has given
to his education. and he finds that lfe work at
tractive which offers the opportunity TO continue
further the pursuit of knowledge and 70 follow
the invitation 10 search for truth with other
Intellectual pioneers His ideal 81 satisfying
occupation is that 81 the university professor
spending long hours in his library or laboratory
absorbed in his passion for truth.
A second impulse is q low" OF influence over
other lives. This is similar 10 that which has
through many generations led men into the
ministry. Not a few find their chief delight in
the moulding OF other minds, shaping their judg
ments forming their ideals supplying them
with needed MISUNDERSTANDING them thus TO
the threshold OF manhood prepared 10 do mans
work and think mans thoughts worthily The
young man influenced by this ideal is ambitious
to follow the lead OF the great teachers Of whom
Arnold Of Rugby is the type.
The third impulse is altogether commonplace
and lacks in definite quality. The young man
has reached the time when he must begin to
work for his support. he has no particular apti-
tude for any special thing. and the line Of the
least resistance leads him 10 the life OF a peda-
gogue. Those whose choice is determined chiefly
by this last indefinite consideration belong with
the great multitude who for small reason or
none, choose that occupation in life which pre-
sents fewest difficulties to them at the time they
must make a decision. 1t is not often that the
prizes in any calling by who enter
on their work with such negative interest. In
huences are constantly at work, however. to re-
duce the proportion OF those who choose a teach
er's life, because they think OF nothing bet
ter to do Places of any influence or adequate
compensation can now be won only by men who
have taken special pedagogical training in uni
versities colleges or normal schools, or lacking
this, have demonstrated their fitness by success
full experience as teachers in less important Po-