The Question of Quitting – Sunday, August 07, 1955
Summer has all but slipped away.
Every year it happens—more swiftly it seems—and the passing of summer brings with it decisions—decisions particularly for young people—decisions as to what to do for the future: whether or not to return to school; whether or not to quit or to stay with what they have started in life’s long period of preparation.
There is much reason for sympathy with young people in the decisions they face these days. First of all, they don’t altogether own their own lives—young men especially.
Besides the more or less “normal” reasons for restlessness, they have added obligations placed upon them, and are faced with perennial and repeated intrusions upon their plans—all of which adds an element of uncertainty. And often there seems to be something intangibly contagious in the very air and atmosphere, that prompts giving up prolonged preparation to satisfy immediate demands.
But one of the great lessons of life is to learn to appreciate the opportunities for preparation, despite uncertainties and interruptions. And one of the great characteristics of youth is to have the courage and faith to face the future. It is true that there often are real reasons for restlessness.
But sometimes young people quit without real cause to quit. Sometimes they quit because they feel that they must have more money—that they must “work awhile,” that they will stay out “only this one year.”
But time goes so very quickly, and a year in which we merely mark time or simply succumb to restlessness is likely to be a lost year. And so we suggest to you who are young: That you settle down and make the most of your opportunities for preparation, for development, for service, for seeing things through.
The best thing you can do for yourself, your country, your family, and your future is to make yourself as capable and competent as you can.
The best thing you can do for your own life and your loved ones is to make good beginnings as to the solid things, solid learning, solid living—to begin to build solidly, to endure to the end, to see things through. *
*Revised.
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August 07, 1955
Broadcast Number 1,355