The maxim means in plain English that the fortune of a man depends upon his own self; he can make or mar according as he wishes. I
The maxim means in plain English that the fortune of a man depends upon his own self; he can make or mar according as he wishes. In other words, the destiny of a man lies in his own hands, and he can be successful if he only wills it. Man has been sent out to this world by God endowed with all those qualities which are essential for greatness. It is up to man to utilize these qualities. If he puts his whole heart into his work and makes the best use of his talents, he cannot but be unsuccessful in life. He only courts failure, if he does not do this.
A man who possesses a strong will and a firm determination finds all difficulties solved. To him there are a thousand ways open to steer clear of all dangers and difficulties. Such a man goes on working hard, and even if he fails he is never downcast. Failures make him all the more determined and persists in his task, till he attains the desired success.
A person must be persevering and must exert himself, if he wants to shape out his destiny. He who fails to bring strength of mind and industry to bear upon his work in life has nothing but suffering and troubles as his lot. If has a powerful will, it follows that he is the builder of his own fortune. He can make his fortune if he wishes to do so, by being industrious and persevering.
The well-known story of the carpenter-boy shows how even impossible things are made possible. A carpenter-boy was one day found hard at work in repairing a chair and polishing it. One of his neighbours, who was watching him at his work, ridiculed him for his taking so much pains. The boy replied to his neighbour's ridiculed by saying that there was a motive behind his action. He was polishing it so carefully because he would one day sit upon it. The neighbour laughed at his idea, but what was his surprise when he found that the boy, by dint of perseverance and strength of will, rose to be a magistrate and actually sat upon the chair, which he had himself mended.
Every man reaps the result of his own actions. If he is active, he will be rewarded for his activity and if he is idle, he will have to suffer for his idleness.
