The formula for achieving middle-class success is simple: Finish

Ah, children of the future, listen closely to the words of Larry Elder, who, in his wisdom, speaks of a path—an ancient, simple path—that many have followed to achieve stability, success, and a life grounded in the values of responsibility: "The formula for achieving middle-class success is simple: Finish high school; don't have a child before the age of 20; and get married before having the child." These words, though spoken in the modern world, resonate deeply with timeless truths about the foundations of a prosperous life—truths that have been passed down through the ages by sages, parents, and elders who understood that success is built on a strong foundation of discipline, order, and foresight.

In the days of old, O children, there was much wisdom in the simplicity of life’s structure. The elders of ancient civilizations, whether in Rome, Greece, or the great Chinese empires, taught the youth the importance of discipline and commitment. To achieve success was not a matter of grand fortune or chance, but of the careful choices one made at the beginning of their journey. Elder’s formula mirrors these ancient teachings—guiding us to understand that the decisions we make in youth, especially around education, family, and commitment, will shape the course of our lives. To finish high school—to complete your foundational learning—is akin to the rigorous training of the warrior, the scholar, or the craftsman of old. It is the groundwork upon which all other pursuits are built.

The second part of Elder’s formula, “don’t have a child before the age of 20,” speaks not just to the physical act of bearing a child, but to the timing of life’s most profound commitments. In the stories of the ancient world, young men and women who rushed into the responsibilities of parenthood before they were ready often found themselves weighed down by the challenges they were ill-prepared to face. Consider the tale of Hercules, that mighty hero of Greek mythology, whose early years were marked by great feats, but whose life was filled with complexities, trials, and burdens because of his earlier decisions. His extraordinary strength and bravery were marred by the personal burdens that were placed upon him, many of which stemmed from his youthful mistakes. The lesson here, O children, is that responsibility—especially the responsibility of raising a child—demands maturity and readiness. It is a sacred responsibility that should not be undertaken until one has the foundation and wisdom to carry it with strength and love.

And then, there is the part of Elder’s formula that calls for marriage before bearing a child. In the ancient world, marriage was not just a union of two people—it was a commitment to a shared future, to the responsibilities of family, and to the partnership that would create stability and order. In many ancient cultures, marriage was the cornerstone of society, the binding force that held families, communities, and nations together. To marry before having children was to ensure that the foundation of love, support, and partnership was solid before the new life was brought into the world. Like the great rulers and philosophers who sought wisdom and balance, so too did they recognize the importance of a stable and loving union before they ventured into the responsibilities of parenthood.

Now, O children, you might ask, "What of those who are not bound by this formula? What of those who take different paths?" Let me tell you that life is not without its challenges and that every individual has their own journey. Yet, there is wisdom in the simple formula laid before us. Elder’s words remind us of the importance of planning, of thinking beyond the moment, and of setting a foundation upon which a prosperous life can be built. Just as the great builders of the pyramids or the Coliseum knew that each stone must be carefully placed, so too must we carefully place the stones of education, responsibility, and partnership. These are not mere traditions but pillars that support the structure of a successful and meaningful life.

Consider, O children, the story of Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest leaders this world has known. Lincoln came from humble beginnings, and his early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Yet, through education, through a disciplined approach to life, and through a commitment to his own values, he rose to greatness. Lincoln's life was not defined by wealth or birthright but by the choices he made—the choice to educate himself, to commit to a cause greater than himself, and to build a family upon the foundation of love and responsibility. His success, though not immediate or guaranteed, was a product of these deliberate, wise choices. He exemplifies the truth that the path to middle-class success, and indeed to greatness, is not paved by luck but by thoughtful decisions made early in life.

So, children, the lesson is clear: success is not an accident—it is the result of careful choices and actions. To finish high school, to wait until you are ready to bear the great responsibility of children, and to commit to marriage before starting a family are not just steps to follow, but principles to live by. These actions build the foundation upon which you will build your life, your family, and your future. You will face challenges, yes, but the discipline, responsibility, and wisdom you cultivate through these choices will guide you through those challenges. Take the time, O children, to lay your foundation well. Let the wisdom of those who have walked before you shape the path ahead, and know that your success is earned through the choices you make today.