I can hardly express in words my deep feeling and sympathy for

Hear now, O children of the future, the words of Major Taylor, a man whose life was forged in the fires of adversity: "I can hardly express in words my deep feeling and sympathy for them, knowing as I do, the many serious handicaps and obstacles that will confront them in almost every walk of life." These words speak of compassion, of the recognition of suffering, and of the deep understanding that true strength is not measured by ease, but by the ability to face life’s challenges with courage and grit. Taylor, a champion in his own right, knew that greatness is not born from privilege or ease but from overcoming the obstacles that seek to hold us back.

In the ancient world, O children, heroes were not defined by the battles they won on the field, but by the struggles they overcame. Hercules, the mightiest of Greek heroes, was given a series of seemingly impossible labors, each designed to break him. Yet, it was not the defeat of these beasts or the completion of these tasks that made him a hero—it was his perseverance, his refusal to be defined by the obstacles placed in his path. Hercules faced each handicap with unwavering resolve, much like Major Taylor, who fought against the racial barriers and prejudices of his time, showing the world that even in the face of adversity, one could rise.

Consider the story of Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, facing unimaginable obstacles from the moment of his birth. He was denied education, freedom, and basic human rights, yet through sheer will and determination, he became one of the most eloquent voices for abolition and human rights in American history. Douglass' story is one of triumph over the greatest handicaps—the chains of slavery and the prejudices of his society. Like Major Taylor, Douglass understood that true greatness lies not in avoiding adversity, but in confronting it head-on, in the pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom, despite the barriers that might seem insurmountable.

Yet, O children, the lesson of Taylor’s words is not simply to recognize the obstacles faced by others, but to understand the nature of these challenges and to respond with compassion and action. It is one thing to see the hardships of others and feel sympathy, but it is another to work to alleviate those hardships, to join the struggle for a more just and equitable world. Taylor's words remind us that sympathy without action is but empty feeling. To truly support those who face handicaps and obstacles is to lend a hand, to help create a world in which the barriers to success and happiness are not so high, so insurmountable.

In modern times, we see examples of this struggle in the lives of those who face disability, inequality, or oppression. Consider the life of Helen Keller, a woman who, despite being born deaf and blind, became one of the most influential figures in the fight for disability rights. Keller’s life, though filled with immense challenges, became a beacon of hope for others facing similar obstacles. Like Major Taylor, Keller turned her handicaps into a platform for change, showing the world that the power of the human spirit can triumph over the greatest obstacles, if only we have the courage to fight.

And so, O children, the lesson of Major Taylor’s words is clear: true greatness lies in overcoming obstacles, not in the absence of them. The handicaps of life—be they physical, societal, or personal—are not to be seen as final barriers, but as challenges to be confronted with strength, determination, and compassion. Just as Hercules overcame his labors, and Douglass broke the chains of slavery, so too must we face the obstacles of our own time with the same resolve. And let us not simply feel sympathy for those who struggle, but take action to change the world, so that the path for all may be one of greater freedom and equality.

As you walk the path of life, O children, remember the lessons of those who have come before you. Obstacles are inevitable, but they do not define you. How you face those obstacles, with compassion for yourself and for others, with determination and action, will shape your character. Live and work for others, for in lifting others, you too shall rise. And in doing so, you will create a world where the handicaps of the past are no longer barriers to the future. Stand tall, and face the challenges ahead with the courage of a hero, for in doing so, you will write your own story of greatness.