He is your boy, perhaps, your son for whom you have the highest
ambitions, and your bosom swells with pride at the thought that he is
your boy, and that you have opened the door to opportunity for him.
Some young man just out of college, just out of the refining process, is
on the high road to position and honor, and is already making a name for
himself, may become the leader or some leader along the many fields open
to him.
Can you say that it will not be yourself? Who knows that it may not be
you, your brother, nephew, cousin, or some valued friend? Give yourself
the benefit of the doubt if there be any doubt, and there need not be,
and take hold of the intellectual plow, and till the field of
opportunity. It is waiting for you and for yours.
Do not throw straws in your own and in the way of those you know and to
whom you may be related by the ties of blood or friendship. Why not put
them and yourself in the way of opportunities? Give yourself and them a
chance to prepare for opportunity, every one possesses the chance, and
he must prepare for it, it is in the future, perhaps it is waiting now,
are you ready for it? Do you think you will be ready when it calls? If
not get ready by keeping your ear close to the ground and watch for the
signal. Keep in touch with the people, their needs, necessities and
demands; observe the signs of the times and study the shaping of events.
These are progressive times, and age of hustle, and the man who stands
out in front will win the race, for he has the advantage of place and
position, also readiness to start at the first sound of the signal.