"A young man, be his merit what it will, can never raise himself; but must, like the ivy round the oak, twine himself round some man of great power and interest"

This quote by Philip Stanhope is a pointer that a young man, no matter how gifted or diligent he may be, can not rise to power and influence on his own. He must count on the assistance of someone more effective and prominent than himself. This is comparable to the ivy that grows around an oak tree, relying on the strength of the tree for assistance. The ivy is unable to base on its own, however it is able to prosper and grow with the help of the oak. Similarly, a boy needs to find somebody to support him and assist him to reach his goals. This could be a coach, a relative, or a friend. Without the aid of somebody more powerful and prominent, a young man will not have the ability to reach his full potential.