Like many young men in the South, he had trouble ruling out the possible. They are not like an immigrant's son in Passaic who desires to become a dentist and that is that. Southerners have trouble ruling out the possible. What happens to a... man to whom all things seem possible and every course of action open? Nothing of course.
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The passage reflects on the struggles of young men in the South, emphasizing their challenges in making definitive choices about their futures. Unlike a determined immigrant's son in Passaic who has a clear goal of becoming a dentist, Southern men often see a vast array of possibilities before them. This perception can lead to indecision and uncertainty.
The author suggests that when everything seems possible, it can actually hinder one's ability to take action. The overwhelming sense of potential can paralyze a person, leaving them unable to commit to a path or pursue a specific goal. In essence, the abundance of options can be a double-edged sword, leading to inaction rather than fulfillment.
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