"Have pen, will travel"

ost people, the vast majority in fact, lead the lives that circumstances have thrust upon them, and though some repine, looking upon themsleves as round pegs in square holes, and think that if things had been different they might have made a much better showing, the greater part accept their lot, if not with serenity, at all events with resignation. They are like tram-cars travelling for ever on the selfsame rails. They go backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards, inevitably, till they can go no longer and then they are sold as scrap-iron. It is not often that you find a man who has boldly taken the course of his life into his own hands. When you do, it is worth while having a good look at him." Thus begins one of W. Somerset Maugham's better-known stories, "The Lotus Eater" which I like