Visits with a Victorian Lady Vintage Advice

From: "Drive On" as recorded in the book, Living Thoughts From Poet, Sage and Humorist

Author: Sydney Smith

Dated: 1891

There is some sage advice to be found in the vintage pages of antique books and magazines of the Victorian era. Ah, yes, we live in a more enlightened age for the most part. In fact, we can laugh over many of the old wives' tales and remedies that have now been set aside in favor of more current trends. Nonetheless, there is charm in reading 19th Century advice. On this vintage page you will occasionally find the humorous, perhaps even the outrageous! But, look a little closer and you may find a tidbit worth remembering...

This month we review advice to the young man just entering adulthood and setting off on all it's adventures. . .

"Drive On "

"'The best advice to the young man just setting out in the world, is to 'drive on.' In other words, live energetically. Whatever you undertake, do it with a will; and do it well. Do it as far as possible in the completest manner. In this way alone can an efficient, useful and successful career be accomplished. Don't be reckless, but keep digging, always bearing in mind to do nothing dishonorable or disreputable. Don't whine. It's of no use, for life is pretty much as you take it and make it. If you are poor, thank God and take courage, for poverty is one of the best tests of human quality in existence. A triumph over it is like graduating with honor at Harvard. It demonstrates stuff and stamina. Don't sit down and give up at little set backs, but pitch in, drive on, and you will come out all right in the end. It may be a long way, but perseverance will be sure to bring you out successfully."

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