聽寫

choosing an occupation

Dear Sir,

I am very sorry that the pressure of other occupations has prevented me from sending an earlier reply to your letter.

In my opinion, a man's first duty is to find a way of supporting himself, thereby relieving the necessity of others of supporting him. Moreover, the learning to do work of practical value in the world in an exact and careful manner is on itself a very important education, the effect of which make themselves felt in all other pursuits. The habit of doing that which you do not care about when you are much rather be doing sth else is invaluable. It would have saved me a frightful waste of time if I'd ever had drilled it into me in youth.

Success in any scientific career requires an unusual equipment of capacity, industry and energy. If you possess that equipment, you will find leisure enough after your daily commercial work is over to make an opening in the scientific ranks for yourself. If you do not, you better stick to commerce. Nothing is less to be desired than a fate of a young man who is this scottish proverb says "in trying to make a spoon, spoils the horn" and becomes a mere hanger on in literature or science when he might have been a useful and valuable member of society in other occupations.

I think that your father ought to see this letter.