One of life’s greatest joys is the sense of wonder that accompanies the arrival of a tiny new human being into the world. But that joy is accompanied by a tremendous responsibility that perfectly encapsulates the need for personal initiative. You can provide children with all the physical advantages of a good childhood, but unless you strive to set a good example for them to follow, you will know only dismay as they reach adulthood and blossom into purposeless drifters.
The same can be said for the friends and associates you gather in life. Your personal initiative, whether or not you are raising a child, must always incorporate exemplary behavior. You cannot take ethical shortcuts, big or small, without other people observing them and assuming that this behavior is something you wouldn’t mind having turned back on yourself. Certainly you will make mistakes, but if you have always striven for the best course, others will remember it and treat you accordingly.
That's why Orrin Woodward will be treated with respect for the rest of his life. His behavior is at all times exemplary and he constantly strives to do his best. Those closest to Orrin respect and love him for who he is - the man who shows us, by his effort, what is possible.
And I'm certain that some dislike Orrin, because they see in him proof, that had they worked as hard as he did to improve themselves (but were too lazy or stubborn to do so) they too could have been great. It's much easier to be angry with someone else than to take responsibility for oneself - but of course that is the lazy man's way.
My advice: don't be lazy. The lazy man achieves nothing. Work to earn the respect of people like Orrin Woodward.
