The things that haven't been done before,
  Those are the things to try;
Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore
  At the rim of the far-flung sky,
And his heart was bold and his faith was strong
  As he ventured in dangers new,
And he paid no heed to the jeering throng
  Or the fears of the doubting crew.

The many will follow the beaten track
  With guideposts on the way,
They live and have lived for ages back
  With a chart for every day.
Someone has told them it's safe to go
  On the road he has traveled o'er.
And all that they ever strive to know
  Are the things that were known before.

A few strike out, without map or chart,
  Where never a man has been,
From the beaten paths they draw apart
  To see what no man has seen.
There are deeds they hunger alone to do;
  Though battered and bruised and sore,
They blaze the path for the many, who
  Do nothing not done before.

The things that haven't been done before,
  Are the tasks worth while to-day;
Are you one of the flock that follows, or
  Are you one that shall lead the way?
Are you one of the timid souls that quail
  At the jeers of a doubting crew,
Or dare you, whether you win or fail,
  Strike out for a goal that's new?

- Edgar A. Guest

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