The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1959-04-24

= III
We have often heard the story
that Alexander wept that there
were "no more worlds to conquer"
but Plutarch tells us another YER
sion: That Alexander, to the con-
trary, was much discouraged and
wept upon learning that there
were an infinite number of worlds
when he had not completely con-
quered one!
Sometimes we hear people of to-
day who are lamenting that there
is nothing exciting, dangerous or
adventurous left to do. They say
there are no more worlds to chal-
lenge the bravery or imagination
of man. There are no more from
tiers on which to do battle and
win new wealth, and annex new
territory. Life sits empty on their
hands and there is little of value
left, for one to get out of it.
We often hear this or that ven
ture characterized as the last from
Ter. We are told of the greatest
and last" ocean front or agricul-
tural development. AS the con-
crete ribbons of today wind into
the dark forests, and take up
where steel rails have left off; as
our airplanes penetrate the most
distant and once inaccessible
points of the globe, we learn from
others there is nothing left to
challenge the adventurous spirits
Of this world.
But to my mind when one from
tier has been opened up two more
appear to challenge the ingenuity
of the human mind for solution
Each new stroke of progress
creates new and additional prob
lens. Whenever one problem has
been solved it usually opens a door
to let in something more complex
and aggravating. Likewise it may
present new situations and oppor-
tunities that are valuable and help
full.
Never a neighborhood opened up
by good road that didn't face
problems of law and order. That
didn't lose something fine and dear,
which fitted like an old shoe, be-
cause it was superseded and driv-
en- out by something more modern
and considered more efficient.
Let neighborhood build a fine
new church, or an expensive
school, and before one can relax
and bask in the pride and glory
of the accomplishment, there are
numerous new problems to arise
and tax the peoples resources.
There is extra expense of opera
ton, or for new and larger equip
ment before the utmost use can
be obtained. On every hand great
er maintenance and operating
costs. In time these things are
overcome through the combined
ingenuity, work and generosity of
the people, but in the meantime
the going is often tough indeed.
The illustration of course, is
used for the purpose of making a
point. If one is willing to do some
thinking, if one has the interests
and needs of thee future before
him; if one wishes to make a
worthy contribution to the prog
ress of his town or his nation, if
one is willing to work, to give of
his time, his money without hope
of being repaid; if one is willing
to work without credit or reward,
and is even willing to accept in
return instead, kicks and COM
plants and obstructive measures
from those who are selfish and
stupid, and so niggardly by nature
as to deny someone else anything
they could never get for them
selves, then the world is full of
frontiers. There are countless chal-
lenges each day to confront any
person who recognizes them.
Frontiers do not need be forests
infested with ferocious savages,
nor distant seas, nor towering
peaks impregnable' with ice and
rock. There are frontiers of dis
ease, and frontiers of the human
mind, and frontiers in fields for
the promotion of human happi-
ness. Before effective battles may
be waged in any of these fields one
must be prepared. A sacrifice of
many years of ones life in the
disciplined study and long hours
that go to make up education is
usually required. Preparation and
training is required before a good
soldier is made; in life's toughest
battles, only the best will do.
There are frontiers in communi-
ty service, wide open each day for
a person who will see them, and
will join. in doing the work. The
trouble with today is lack of per-
sons willing to work. There are
many who wish to stand up and
give lip service to be recognized as
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