PROBABLY no word is more generally misunderstood than the word "opportunity." Webster defines opportunity as "a time or place favorable for executing a purpose." While this definition is generally accepted, unless we consider the underlying reality of what is conceived of and humanly termed opportunity, we are apt to limit our possibilities and retard our progress for a season.
It is common opinion that the trend or direction of one's opportunities is fixed by his heritage, education, and experiences, all of which are dependent, more or less, on what is called chance or luck; that opportunity not only is subject to chance or luck, but is further conditioned by the so-called law of demand and supply; that irrespective of qualifications and ability, if the demand for the services which one is able to render, or for the commodity one is able to handle, is not equal to the supply, then for him there is little opportunity for successful attainment; that if, on the other hand, such demand does exceed the supply, even then the individual's opportunity is made possible by unfortunate lack on the part of the many. In short, it is believed that opportunity is fortune's bequest to the minority; is ever dependent upon time and circumstance; and is desirable, primarily, for material gain.
Endeavoring to substantiate this claim that opportunity is conditioned by chance and luck, demand and supply, mortal mind, in belief, endows chance and luck with power and authority. Through fear and human will it creates inconsistent demands, and as inconsistently supplies them. Jestingly it mocks the pitiable cries of poverty and grief, want and woe, while it strives to placate lust and greed, ambition and vanity. Though mortal mind has been successful, in a measure, in foisting this concept of opportunity upon the children of men, the righteous thinker repudiates this subtle argument as high treason against his heavenly Father, divine Love, who is "no respecter of persons."
