I felt there was a lot I needed to teach her. I wanted to give her an early grounding in the basics of arithmetic and reading, but even more important, I wanted to get across the idea that the world was a dangerous place and life was unpredictable and you had to be smart, focused, and determined to make it through. You had to be willing to work hard and persevere in the face of misfortune. A lot of people, even those born with brains and beauty, didn't have what it took to knuckle down and get the thing done.
The speaker expresses a strong desire to impart important life lessons to a young girl. They emphasize the value of teaching fundamental skills such as arithmetic and reading, but they believe that instilling a deeper understanding of the world's dangers is even more critical. Life is unpredictable, and to navigate its challenges successfully, one must be smart, focused, and determined.
The speaker highlights the necessity of hard work and perseverance, suggesting that intelligence and beauty are not sufficient for success. Many may lack the resilience to overcome difficulties, and the speaker aims to prepare the girl to face these realities head-on, ensuring she has the tools to thrive despite life's unpredictability.
