In the scramble toward the peak many fall by the wayside; others deceive themselves by imagining they have attained the apex when they are far from it.

It is a game, Mr.Merrick, just as business is a game, politics a game, and war a game.

You know how few really win." "Here," said Uncle John, musingly, "is a philosophy I did not expect from you, Von Taer.

They tell me you're one who stands on top the peak.
And you were born that way, and didn't have to climb.

Seems to me you rather scorn the crowd that's trying to climb to an eminence you never had to win.