Regarding Ian Rowe’s “The Power of Personal Agency” (op-ed, June 22): I applaud Mr. Rowe for pointing out the importance of everyone, regardless of their race or socioeconomic background, to take personal responsibility for their own lives and futures. Mr. Rowe’s comments are a modern take on what Frederick Douglass also advised in his 1859 “Self-Made Men” speech: “The lesson taught at this point by human experience is simply this, that the man who will get up will be helped up; and the man who will not get up will be allowed to stay down. This rule may appear somewhat harsh, but in its general application and operation...

Source: Wall Street Journal June 28, 2020 18:56 UTC