Is the man thus moved to the exploration of nature by an
unconquerable passion more to be envied or pitied? In no other
pursuit does success come with such certainty to him who deserves
it. No life is so enjoyable as that whose energies are devoted to
following out the inborn impulses of one's nature. The
investigator of truth is little subject to the disappointments
which await the ambitious man in other fields of activity. It is
pleasant to be one of a brotherhood extending over the world, in
which no rivalry exists except that which comes out of trying to
do better work than any one else, while mutual admiration stifles
jealousy. And yet, with all these advantages, the experience of
the astronomer may have its dark side. As he sees his field
widening faster than he can advance he is impressed with the
littleness of all that can be done in one short life. He feels the
same want of successors to pursue his work that the founder of a
dynasty may feel for heirs to occupy his throne. He has no desire
to figure in history as a Napoleon of science whose conquests must
terminate with his life. Even during his active career his work
may be such a kind as to require the co-operation of others and
the active support of the public.
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