SELF-RELIANCE IS A GOOD TEACHER.
[Orison Sweet Marden, in Success.] We often find that boys who have educated themselves in the country, almost without schooling or teachers, make the most vigorous thinkers. They may not be quite so polished or cultivated, in some ways, but they have something better than polish, and that is mental vigor, originality of method, and independence. They do not lean upon their schooling, or depend upon their diplomas; necessity has been their teacher, and they have been forced to act for themselves and be practical; they know little of theories, but they know what will work. They have gained power by solving their own problems. Such self-educated, self-made men carry weight in their communities because they are men of power and think vigorously and strongly; they have learned to concentrate the mind. Self-help is the only help that will make strong, vigorous lives. Self-reliance is a great educator and early poverty a good teacher. Necessity has ever been the priceless spur which has called man out of himself and spurred him on to his goal. Grit is more than a match for almost any handicap. It overcomes obstacles and abolishes difficulties. It is the man who makes an opportunity and does not wait for it—the man who helps himself and does not wait to be helped—that makes the strong thinker and vigorous operator. It is he who dares to be himself and to work by his own program, without imitating others, who wins.