Let Fast Runners Run Fast

It might sometimes seem that it would be easier or more efficient or more convenient for some purposes if we could push men all into the same pattern. But no matter whose plan or purpose it would serve to do so, men are different. And anyone who thinks that life would be either simplified or enriched by forcing people into a fixed pattern is running contrary to the nature of things as they are. We would do well to start at the point of recognizing the differences as well as the likenesses, knowing that the world is enriched by both. One difference that becomes apparent early in life is that some are better able to take care of themselves than others. And if we were to discourage those who can take care of themselves, they would be less able to make provision for those who cannot. To destroy the incentive or to revoke the right of an able person to do his best is to impede the progress of the world and of all who live in it. Let him who can run faster, run faster; and let him who cannot, stand by and applaud the performance; for standards are never raised as high as they could be except as men are allowed to use their greatest gifts in free and fullest measure. Let him who can, do the best he can; and he who can’t will still live in a world that is richer than if he had restrained someone else from doing his best.