Nothing changes without hard work and determination. Even then, sometimes these qualities are simply not enough.

To say that Rod Serling had an impact on television would be an understatement. Serling's effect on television was an earthquake, causing commotion and sending shockwaves throughout the industry that would linger for years to come.

However, with all the progress Serling made with a show like The Twilight Zone on the air, he wasn't certain that it was enough. After so many years in the industry, Serling had decided that he had pushed against the current hard enough, and he was ready to throw in the towel.

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"Now I'm a professionally old man," said Serling during a 1970 interview with The Greenville News. "There was a time when I wanted to reform television. Now I accept it for what it is."

Some might have considered this a loss for Serling, but he didn't see it that way. Serling was more than ready to continue holding himself to his own high standards. "So long as I don't write beneath myself or pander my work, I'm not doing anyone a disservice. Not to myself or the viewers."

Even so, Serling found that a compelling argument could be made for a more rose-colored viewpoint on television.

"As life has become tougher and harsher, you don't want to see more of the real thing on television," said Serling. "You can watch the old, live television plots and stories on the 6 o'clock news."