“There are as many worlds as there are kinds of days, and as an opal changes its colors and its fire to match the nature of a day, so do I.”
― John Steinbeck
On November 15, 1871, Horace Greeley who was editor of the New York Tribune, wrote this letter to a young reporter. The reporters name was R. L. Sanderson of Duxbury, Massachusetts who was looking for career advice.
Dear Sir:
So many people ask me what they shall do; so few tell me what they can do. Yet this is the pivot wherein all must turn. I believe that each of us who has his place to make should go where men are wanted, and where employment is not bestowed as alms. Of course, I say to all who are in want of work, Go West!
But what can you do? and how can your family help you? Your mother, I infer, is to be counted out as an effective worker. But what of the rest? And you – can you chop? Can you plow? Can you mow? Can you cut up Indian corn? I reckon not. And in the west it is hard to find such work as you have been accustomed to. The conditions of living are very rude there.
On the whole I say, stay where you are; do as well as you can; and devote every spare hour to making yourself familiar with the conditions and dexterity required for the efficient conservation of out-door industry in a new country. Having mastered these, gather up your family and Go West!
Yours,
Horace Greeley
My own son is leaving today, embarking on a new adventure out west.
He has filled his course with lessons learned and is now embarking on a western happening. There is a long road stretching leading him to both unexpected things but also leading him to expectation.
We wish him well and look forward to the day when we can once again sit and talk of music, sports and worldly plans.
Stay inspired my son!
