Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
March 11, 1836
Carroll Free Press
Carrollton, Carroll County, Ohio
What is this article about?
In 'The Observer No. 3,' the author urges young men to use their leisure time for self-improvement rather than frivolous amusements, citing the examples of Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and David Rittenhouse as self-made men who rose through mental exertion.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE OBSERVER NO. 3.
Messrs. Editors.
Another subject that has often deeply impressed my mind; is the conduct of young men, with respect to their manner of spending their time.
The present state of society affords ample encouragement to diligence in business: but there is scarcely any calling so pressing in its demands as to leave no leisure hours. And we need them, surely we were formed for other purposes than merely to grovel in loads of kindred muck.
But what means do we take to enjoy the hours of relaxation from business? I fear that many, very many, young men are grossly mistaken in the pursuit of happiness. It is a most prevailing evil among the young to seek pleasure in company; after their daily task is done, or whenever opportunity serves to assemble in places of amusement in the society of the gay and the trifling. These much mistaken votaries of happiness, I would ask to pause and consider, whether any lasting benefit can accrue from their present course, - your enjoyments are but for the moment, - you cannot look back on them with any degree of satisfaction, - you are hastening on to fill important stations in society, totally unprepared. However, thoughtless of tomorrow, or however bright your prospects may be, you may be assured, there are trials for you to pass through, there are hours of sadness awaiting you, - yes, dark and lonely may yet be your way through life; and then you will wish for the solace of a mind well stored with useful ideas, and prepared by extensive information for any duty devolving on you.
On the other hand you have the example of all the most illustrious of our countrymen to stimulate you to exertion in the improvement of your mind. We need only to be acquainted with the history of our own nation; to be furnished with the most glowing instances of the rise of humble individuals, by the exertion of their own mind. Who among us is so void of principle as not to admire the character of Franklin, Sherman, and our own distinguished Rittenhouse? We cannot but admire the self-made men who have risen to eminence by their own unaided exertions.
Messrs. Editors.
Another subject that has often deeply impressed my mind; is the conduct of young men, with respect to their manner of spending their time.
The present state of society affords ample encouragement to diligence in business: but there is scarcely any calling so pressing in its demands as to leave no leisure hours. And we need them, surely we were formed for other purposes than merely to grovel in loads of kindred muck.
But what means do we take to enjoy the hours of relaxation from business? I fear that many, very many, young men are grossly mistaken in the pursuit of happiness. It is a most prevailing evil among the young to seek pleasure in company; after their daily task is done, or whenever opportunity serves to assemble in places of amusement in the society of the gay and the trifling. These much mistaken votaries of happiness, I would ask to pause and consider, whether any lasting benefit can accrue from their present course, - your enjoyments are but for the moment, - you cannot look back on them with any degree of satisfaction, - you are hastening on to fill important stations in society, totally unprepared. However, thoughtless of tomorrow, or however bright your prospects may be, you may be assured, there are trials for you to pass through, there are hours of sadness awaiting you, - yes, dark and lonely may yet be your way through life; and then you will wish for the solace of a mind well stored with useful ideas, and prepared by extensive information for any duty devolving on you.
On the other hand you have the example of all the most illustrious of our countrymen to stimulate you to exertion in the improvement of your mind. We need only to be acquainted with the history of our own nation; to be furnished with the most glowing instances of the rise of humble individuals, by the exertion of their own mind. Who among us is so void of principle as not to admire the character of Franklin, Sherman, and our own distinguished Rittenhouse? We cannot but admire the self-made men who have risen to eminence by their own unaided exertions.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Social Reform
Education
What keywords are associated?
Young Men
Leisure Time
Self Improvement
Moral Conduct
Benjamin Franklin
Roger Sherman
David Rittenhouse
What entities or persons were involved?
Franklin
Sherman
Rittenhouse
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Advice To Young Men On Using Leisure For Self Improvement
Stance / Tone
Moral Exhortation Encouraging Mental Cultivation
Key Figures
Franklin
Sherman
Rittenhouse
Key Arguments
Society Provides Leisure Hours Beyond Business Demands
Young Men Waste Time On Fleeting Amusements With No Lasting Benefit
Future Trials Require A Mind Stored With Useful Ideas And Information
Illustrious Countrymen Like Franklin, Sherman, And Rittenhouse Exemplify Self Made Success Through Mental Exertion