A Talk To Boys

If a boy has good health and an intelligent mind, the best thing that can happen to him is to have to make his own way in life; for every struggle increases his strength and every success gives him fresh courage and confidence, and whatever he wishes to be he can be. In this land of cheap books and free schools, if he desires and education he can get it. If he has a real thirst for knowledge, he can work his way through college as many another boy has done before him and enter nay profession he chooses.

The world is full of discontented and unhappy men, the cowards and deserters in the fight of life, lagging in the rear, hiding behind every shelter they can find, and grumbling because they cannot get somebody to fight and work for them. Envious of their neighbors who are better off, forgetting that other men have won their ease and comfort though their won industry and thrift, they blame everybody for their misfortunes except themselves. I do not know of what use such men are in this world, unless it be as warnings to the rising generation.

For Further Thought

1. If you were a millionaire, how would you spend your money? Read Philippians 4:11-13. Do these Bibles verses give you any new ideas about how you would spend your money?


2. Never say you cannot do a thing because you have not the chance. What goal would you like to accomplish but feel it's beyond your reach? (Hint: Move up to the next reading lever; get picked for the ball team; buy a computer.)


3. What could you do today to move toward that goal?

from the book Talks to Boys by Eleanor A. Hunter originally published in 1890