There are no beaten paths to Glory's height,
There are no rules to compass greatness known;
Each for himself must cleave a path alone,
And press his own way forward in the fight.
Smooth is the way to ease and calm delight,
And soft the road Sloth chooseth for her own;
But he who craves the flower of life full-blown,
Must struggle up in all his armor dight!
What though the burden bear him sorely down
And crush to dust the mountain of his pride,
Oh, then, with strong heart let him still abide;
For rugged is the roadway to renown,
Nor may he hope to gain the envied crown,
Till he hath thrust the looming rocks aside.

What is the central idea of "The Path" by Paul Laurence Dunbar?

1. People who hope to be famous must defeat the competition.
2. There are many obstacles and challenges on the way to success.
3. It is important to travel alone and determine what roads to follow.
4. Preparation is essential when traveling on unfamiliar roads.