There are perhaps few subjects that claim more of the average individual's attention than that of right opportunity. Many theories and wide discussion have not, however, evolved a system that has made desirable progress universally available to mankind. Why does this continue to be the experience of men, since advancement seems to be essential to satisfactory human living? Is not the answer to the question to be found in the fact that mortals, thinking largely in terms of matter, are cognizant only of a material universe, governed by material laws, and because of this tendency are inclined to seek good only in materiality? Indeed, Shakespeare's words convey one of the commonly accepted concepts concerning opportunity:
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
Such a theory leaves one at the mercy of chance and change, robs him of courage and confidence, and limits his highest endeavors at the very outset. There are promising signs in the world today that right-thinking people are reaching the conclusion that, if the inequality and uncertainty of opportunity are to be overcome, the solution must be found by recourse to spiritual, not material means.
