T.R. on Hard Work and the West

An great quote from Theodore Roosevelt, written to his lifelong friend William Sewell during T.R.’s Badlands ranching days.  Although written in a completely different time and context, I think the quote still holds true today regarding life and work in the Rocky Mountains:

“Now a little plain talk, though I think it unnecessary, for I know you too well. If you are afraid of hard work and privation, don’t come out west. If you expect to make a fortune in a year or two, don’t come west. If you will give up under temporary discouragements, don’t come out west. If, on the other hand, you are willing to work hard, especially the first year; if you realize that for a couple of years you cannot expect to make much more than you are now making; if you also know at the end of that time you will be in the receipt of about a thousand dollars for the third year, with an unlimited field ahead of you and a future as bright as you yourself choose to make it, then come.” 

– Theodore Roosevelt letter to Sewall, 6 July 1884

(Thanks to The Almanac of Theodore Roosevelt for the quote)