Explore "Opportunity" by Ambrose Bierce on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
THIS is not a country of equal fortunes; outside a Socialist's dream no such country exists or can exist. But as nearly as possible this is a country of equal opportunities for those who begin life with nothing but nature's endowments -- and of such is the kingdom of success.
In nine instances in ten successful Americans -- that is Americans who have succeeded in any worthy ambition or legitimate field of endeavor -- have started with nothing but the skin they stood in. It almost may be said, indeed, that to begin with nothing is a main condition of success -- in America.