As Wingate truly says: “There is no use in filling young people’s minds with vain hopes; not every one can make a fortune or a national reputation, but he who possesses health, ordinary ability, honesty and industry can at least earn a livelihood.”
Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.—Mark Twain.
If you are striving to be a level-headed boy you will understand that if you keep your eyes fastened on the stars all the while you are likely to overlook a thousand opportunities lying all about your pathway.
Let’s not despise just common things,
For here’s a truth there is no dodging,
The bird that soars on proudest wings
Comes down to earth for board and lodging.
Success comes only to those who lead the life of endeavour.—Roosevelt.
Some of the poets and others advise you to aim at the sky or the sun or something of that sort, for by so doing you will shoot higher than you would if you aimed at the ground.
I would advise you to aim directly at the target you wish to hit. Don’t shoot over it or under it; shoot at it.