Pushing to the Front - 10. WHAT CAREER ? - Orison Swett Marden (1911) - HQ Full Book.

"The world makes way for the determined man."

In Chapter 10 of Pushing to the Front, titled “What Career?”, Orison Swett Marden tackles one of life’s most pressing and often perplexing questions for the young individual: Which path should I pursue? With characteristic optimism and practical wisdom, Marden encourages his readers to choose careers that align with their natural talents, instincts, and inclinations rather than those dictated by social prestige, monetary potential, or familial pressure.  

Marden begins the chapter by acknowledging the confusion that many young people face when standing at the crossroads of their future. It is not enough, he insists, to simply “get a job.” Rather, one must discover their true calling. He likens career selection to navigating a ship—without a definite direction, one is at the mercy of life’s tempests and currents. With clear intention, however, the individual becomes the master of their fate.  

He criticizes the common practice of young people being pushed into professions that are either traditional or deemed socially acceptable, such as law, medicine, or the clergy, without any real introspection into whether they are suited for these paths. Marden emphasizes that misalignment between a person’s work and their temperament or abilities often leads to mediocrity, dissatisfaction, or outright failure.  

One of the key arguments Marden makes is that no profession is truly lowly if pursued with passion, excellence, and integrity. He points out that the world needs people in every walk of life and that dignity lies not in the title, but in the manner and spirit with which the work is done. A mechanic, grocer, artist, or teacher can achieve just as much success and happiness as a banker or lawyer—perhaps even more—if they are doing the work they love and are best equipped to do.  

The chapter is rich with real-life examples of individuals who defied conventional wisdom and succeeded by following their unique paths. Marden tells of men and women who, by resisting societal or parental pressure and instead pursuing their own talents, rose to distinction and fulfillment. He speaks admiringly of inventors, explorers, writers, businesspeople, and others who forged their own way and lived lives of meaningful achievement.  

Marden advises young people to study themselves deeply. What are their natural inclinations? What kind of work draws out their enthusiasm? Where do they excel without excessive struggle? Self-knowledge, he insists, is the bedrock of a wise career choice. He writes that each individual has a “calling” and that success in life is not a matter of luck but of discovering and pursuing that calling with relentless focus and dedication.  

Furthermore, Marden addresses the idea of drudgery and patience in early stages. He is clear-eyed about the fact that even in the right career, the early days may be filled with hard work, struggle, and slow progress. However, these should not be deterrents, as they are part of the process of growth and refinement. He warns against the impatience of youth, the desire for quick results, and the tendency to abandon paths at the first sign of difficulty.  

Another important theme is originality. Marden insists that true success and distinction come from doing something differently, bringing a personal stamp to one’s work, and avoiding mere imitation. He suggests that people should not only ask “What career?” but also “How can I bring something new or better to this work?” Creativity and innovation, he argues, are central to rising above mediocrity.  

In addition, Marden urges his readers not to be discouraged by humble beginnings or limited resources. He believes that ambition, perseverance, and character can overcome almost any external limitation. Many of the most successful people in history, he notes, started with very little and yet achieved greatness because they believed in themselves and worked tirelessly in their chosen direction.  

Marden also takes a firm stance against the idea of chasing money for its own sake. A career chosen purely for financial gain, without regard to interest or aptitude, is likely to result in a hollow life. While he acknowledges that financial stability is important, he cautions that when money becomes the sole motive, it can erode joy, health, and integrity.  

An important closing thought in the chapter revolves around service. Marden maintains that the best careers are those in which one can serve others in some meaningful way. Whether by healing, teaching, building, solving problems, or creating beauty, a career that uplifts and contributes to the world brings a sense of purpose that transcends material reward. He reminds readers that the noblest ambition is not to become rich or famous, but to be useful.  

In essence, “What Career?” is a heartfelt call for individualized living. It is Marden’s plea for authenticity, courage, and reflection in an age when too many young people, he feared, were becoming cogs in impersonal machines. The chapter remains a timeless meditation on self-discovery and the moral imperative of aligning our work with our deepest truths.  

To summarize, the chapter's core messages are:

• Career choice should be based on self-knowledge and personal inclination.
• No honest work is undignified if pursued with excellence and pride.
• Imitation and conformity lead to mediocrity; originality leads to distinction.
• Early difficulties are part of the journey; perseverance is key.
• Financial reward should not be the sole motivator in career choice.
• Service to others adds depth and purpose to a profession. 

Marden’s writing is both practical and inspirational, offering a balanced blend of motivational philosophy and grounded guidance. His advice is especially relevant for young people feeling lost in the face of expectations or social norms, and his message resonates just as powerfully today as it did over a century ago. In a world of rapid change and countless options, Chapter 10 of Pushing to the Front is a reminder that the right path is not the most popular one, but the one that leads us to become the fullest version of ourselves.    

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