Fierce Determination, a Clear Vision of Their Future, and High Motivation Toward Self Improvement.

Such were the dominant characteristics of most of my acquaintances, classmates, TRUE FRIENDS of early life. Most all of them were highly appreciative of the unlimited opportunities presented by variety and versatility. None were really in a high risk category for developing addictions; for all had clear vision of what was worth the spending away of any portion of their lives—and knew what their futures could and should be. They just did not have the time to sit around in coffee shops, in bars, do drugs, or develop any sort of harmful addiction. Call them “LUCKY" call them an "ELITE" group; call them what you must; THEY RECOGNISED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANY ADDICTION—ANY HABIT (alcohol, cheating, determination, lying, drugs, “sloughing off” smoking, working hard; TAKES TIME and is developed due to CONSCIOUS CHOICE of action. When speaking of addictions and other "BAD" habits,  that conscious decision, invariably is to "GIVE UP"" "QUIT',  and "STOP COMPETING.
Those true, lifelong friends were not out to fight the world or to start any wars. The Blacks, the Browns, the one with Downs Syndrome, the Midget, the Boy With Only One Leg, and the Yellows just felt great joy in being part of Canada-Part of the world.