Again Osler turns to the problems the graduates will face: "A distressing feature in the life, which you are about to enter, a feature which will press hardly upon the finer spirits among you and ruffle their equanimity, is the uncertainty which pertains not alone to our science and art, but to the very hopes and fears which make us men. In seeking absolute truth we aim at the unattainable, and must be content with finding broken portions."
Osler's advice to the graduates for the success and danger of a large practice and wealth follows: "It has been said that in prosperity our equanimity is chiefly exercised in enabling us to hear with composure the misfortunes of our neighbors...I would warn you against the trials of the day soon to come to some of you-the day of large and successful practice. Engrossed late and soon in professional cares, getting and spending, you may so lay waste your powers that you may find, too late, with hearts given away, that there is no place in your habit-stricken souls for those gentler influences which made life worth living."
Osler challenges the character of the graduates to stand up to the hardships, failure, and even disasters with confidence and calmness. "It is sad to think that for some of you, there is in store disappointment, perhaps failure. You cannot hope, of course, to escape from the cares and anxieties incident to professional life. Stand up bravely, even against the worst. Your very hopes may have passed out of sight...well for you if you wrestle on, for in persistency lies victory and with the morning may come the wish for blessing, but not always; there is a struggle with defeat which some of you will have to bear, and it will be well for you in that day to have cultivated a cheerful equanimity. Remembering too, that sometimes from our desolation only does the better life begin. Even with the disaster ahead and ruin imminent, it is better to face them with a smile
