The Will and the Way

"I will find a way or make one."

"I will find a way or make one."

Nothing is impossible to the man who can will.—MIRABEAU.

Nothing is impossible for the man who has the will. MIRABEAU.

In the lexicon of youth which fate reserves for a bright manhood there is no such word as fail.—BULWER.

In the vocabulary of a young person destined for a bright future, there is no such word as fail. BULWER.

When a firm and decisive spirit is recognized, it is curious to see how the space clears around a man and leaves him room and freedom.—JOHN FOSTER.

When people recognize a man's firm and decisive spirit, it is curious to see how they make room for him and leave him free to act. JOHN FOSTER.

"As well can the Prince of Orange pluck the stars from the sky, as bring the ocean to the wall of Leyden for your relief," was the derisive shout of the Spanish soldiers when told that the Dutch fleet would raise that terrible four months' siege of 1574. But from the parched lips of William, tossing on his bed of fever at Rotterdam, had issued the command: "Break down the dikes: give Holland back to ocean!" and the people had replied: "Better a drowned land than a lost land." They began to demolish dike after dike of the strong lines, ranged one within another for fifteen miles to their city of the interior. It was an enormous task; the garrison was starving; and the besiegers laughed in scorn at the slow progress of the puny insects who sought to rule the waves of the sea. But ever, as of old, Heaven aids those who help themselves. On the first and second of October a violent equinoctial gale rolled the ocean inland, and swept the fleet on the rising waters almost to the camp of the Spaniards. The next morning the garrison sallied out to attack their enemies, but the besiegers had fled in terror under cover of the darkness. The next day the wind changed, and a counter tempest brushed the water, with the fleet upon it, from the surface of Holland. The outer dikes were replaced at once, leaving the North Sea within its old bounds. When the flowers bloomed the following spring, a joyous procession marched through the streets to found the University of Leyden, in commemoration of the wonderful deliverance of the city.

“The Prince of Orange could no more bring the ocean to the walls of Leyden to relieve you than he could pluck the stars from the sky,” shouted the Spanish soldiers in mockery. They had been told that the Dutch fleet would end the terrible four-month siege of 1574. But William, tossing in a fever at Rotterdam, had spoken the command through parched lips: “Break down the dikes: give Holland back to the ocean!” And the people had replied: “Better a drowned land than a lost land.” They began to tear down dike after dike. These strong barriers stood one behind another for fifteen miles, all the way to their inland city. It was an enormous task, and the garrison was starving. The besiegers laughed at the slow progress of the puny insects who sought to rule the waves of the sea. But, as always, Heaven aids those who help themselves. On October 1 and 2, a violent equinoctial gale drove the ocean inland. The rising waters carried the fleet almost to the Spanish camp. The next morning, the garrison went out to attack their enemies. But the besiegers had fled in terror under cover of darkness. The following day, the wind changed. A counterstorm swept the water and the fleet away from Holland. The outer dikes were rebuilt at once, keeping the North Sea within its old bounds. When the flowers bloomed the following spring, a joyful procession marched through the streets to found the University of Leyden. It commemorated the city’s wonderful deliverance.

At a dinner party given in 1837, at the residence of Chancellor Kent, in New York City, some of the most distinguished men in the country were invited, and among them was a young and rather melancholy and reticent Frenchman. Professor Morse was also one of the guests, and during the evening he drew the attention of Mr. Gallatin, then a prominent statesman, to the stranger, observing that his forehead indicated a great intellect. "Yes," replied Mr. Gallatin, touching his own forehead with his finger, "there is a great deal in that head of his: but he has a strange fancy. Can you believe it? He has the idea that he will one day be the Emperor of France. Can you conceive anything more absurd than that?"

In 1837, Chancellor Kent hosted a dinner party at his home in New York City. Some of the most distinguished men in the country were invited. Among them was a young Frenchman who was rather melancholy and quiet. Professor Morse was also a guest. During the evening, he pointed out the stranger to Mr. Gallatin, a prominent statesman at the time. Morse remarked that the Frenchman's forehead suggested a great intellect. "Yes," replied Mr. Gallatin, touching his own forehead with his finger, "there is a great deal in that head of his. But he has a strange idea. Can you believe it? He thinks he will one day be the Emperor of France. Can you imagine anything more absurd than that?"

It did seem absurd, for this reserved Frenchman was then a poor adventurer, an exile from his country, without fortune or powerful connections, and yet, fourteen years later, his idea became a fact,—his dream of becoming Napoleon III. was realized. True, before he accomplished his purpose there were long, dreary years of imprisonment, exile, disaster, and patient labor and hope, but he gained his ambition at last. He was not scrupulous as to the means employed to accomplish his ends, yet he is a remarkable example of what pluck and energy can do.

It did seem absurd. At the time, this reserved Frenchman was a poor adventurer, exiled from his country, with no fortune or powerful connections. Yet fourteen years later, his idea became reality. His dream of becoming Napoleon III came true. Before he achieved his goal, he endured long, dreary years of imprisonment, exile, disaster, patient work, and hope. But he finally achieved his ambition. He was not scrupulous about the means he used to achieve his ends. Yet he is a remarkable example of what courage and energy can do.

When Mr. Ingram, publisher of the "Illustrated London News," began life as a newsdealer at Nottingham, England, he walked ten miles to deliver a single paper rather than disappoint a customer. Does any one wonder that such a youth succeeded? Once he rose at two o'clock in the morning and walked to London to get some papers because there was no post to bring them. He determined that his customers should not be disappointed. This is the kind of will that finds a way.

Mr. Ingram, publisher of the "Illustrated London News," began his career as a newsdealer in Nottingham, England. He once walked ten miles to deliver a single newspaper rather than disappoint a customer. Is it any wonder that a young man like that succeeded? Another time, he got up at two in the morning and walked to London to get newspapers. There was no mail service to bring them, and he was determined not to disappoint his customers. That is the kind of determination that finds a way.

There is scarcely anything in all biography grander than the saying of young Henry Fawcett, Gladstone's last Postmaster-General, to his grief-stricken father, who had put out both his eyes by birdshot during a game hunt: "Never mind, father, blindness shall not interfere with my success in life." One of the most pathetic sights in London streets, long afterward, was Henry Fawcett, M. P., led everywhere by a faithful daughter, who acted as amanuensis as well as guide to her plucky father. Think of a young man, scarcely on the threshold of active life, suddenly losing the sight of both eyes and yet by mere pluck and almost incomprehensible tenacity of purpose, lifting himself into eminence in any direction, to say nothing of becoming one of the foremost men in a country noted for its great men!

Few things in biography are grander than what young Henry Fawcett said to his grief-stricken father. During a bird hunt, his father had accidentally blinded him with birdshot. Fawcett, who later became Gladstone's last Postmaster-General, said: "Never mind, father, blindness shall not interfere with my success in life." Long afterward, one of the saddest sights on London streets was Henry Fawcett, M. P., being led everywhere by his faithful daughter. She served as both guide and secretary to her courageous father. Think of a young man, barely beginning his working life, suddenly losing sight in both eyes. Yet through sheer courage and an almost unbelievable determination, he rose to prominence. That would be remarkable in any field, let alone becoming one of the foremost men in a country known for its great men!

The courageous daughter who was eyes to her father was herself a marvelous example of pluck and determination. For the first time in the history of Oxford College, which reaches back centuries, she succeeded in winning the post which had only been gained before by great men, such as Gladstone,—the post of senior wrangler. This achievement had had no parallel in history up to that date, and attracted the attention of the whole civilized world. Not only had no woman ever held this position before, but with few exceptions it had only been held by men who in after life became highly distinguished.

The courageous daughter who served as her father’s eyes was herself a remarkable example of courage and determination. Oxford College had a history going back centuries. Yet she was the first woman to win the position of senior wrangler. Before her, only great men, such as Gladstone, had gained that position. Her achievement was unprecedented and attracted the attention of the entire civilized world. No woman had ever held the position before. And, with few exceptions, the men who held it had gone on to become highly distinguished.

"Circumstances," says Milton, "have rarely favored famous men. They have fought their way to triumph through all sorts of opposing obstacles."

"Circumstances," says Milton, "have rarely favored famous men. They have fought their way to success through all kinds of obstacles."

The true way to conquer circumstances is to be a greater circumstance yourself.

The true way to overcome circumstances is to become a greater force yourself.

Yet, while desiring to impress in the most forcible manner possible the fact that will-power is necessary to success, and that, other things being equal, the greater the will-power, the grander and more complete the success, we can not indorse the theory that there is nothing in circumstances or environments, or that any man, simply because he has an indomitable will, may become a Bonaparte, a Pitt, a Webster, a Beecher, a Lincoln. We must temper determination with discretion, and support it with knowledge and common sense, or it will only lead us to run our heads against posts. We must not expect to overcome a stubborn fact merely by a stubborn will. We only have the right to assume that we can do anything within the limit of our utmost faculty, strength, and endurance. Obstacles permanently insurmountable bar our progress in some directions, but in any direction we may reasonably hope and attempt to go we shall find that, as a rule, they are either not insurmountable or else not permanent. The strong-willed, intelligent, persistent man will find or make a way where, in the nature of things, a way can be found or made.

Yet we cannot agree that circumstances and surroundings count for nothing. We want to stress as strongly as possible that willpower is necessary for success. All else being equal, the greater the willpower, the greater and more complete the success. But we cannot agree that any man can become a Bonaparte, a Pitt, a Webster, a Beecher, or a Lincoln simply because he has an unbreakable will. We must balance determination with judgment and support it with knowledge and common sense. Otherwise, determination will only lead us to beat our heads against a wall. We must not expect to overcome a stubborn fact merely through stubborn will. We can only assume that we can do anything within the limits of our abilities, strength, and endurance. Some obstacles permanently block our progress in certain directions. But in any direction we can reasonably hope and attempt to go, we will generally find that obstacles can be overcome or will not last forever. A strong-willed, intelligent, persistent man will find or make a way wherever a way can be found or made.

Every schoolboy knows that circumstances do give clients to lawyers and patients to physicians; place ordinary clergymen in extraordinary pulpits; place sons of the rich at the head of immense corporations and large houses, when they have very ordinary ability and scarcely any experience, while poor young men with unusual ability, good education, good character, and large experience, often have to fight their way for years to obtain even very mediocre situations; that there are thousands of young men of superior ability, both in the city and in the country, who seem to be compelled by circumstances to remain in very ordinary positions for small pay, when others about them are raised by money or family influence into desirable places. In other words, we all know that the best men do not always get the best places; circumstances do have a great deal to do with our position, our salaries, our station in life.

Every schoolboy knows that circumstances bring clients to lawyers and patients to doctors. They put ordinary ministers in prominent pulpits. They put the sons of the rich in charge of immense corporations and large firms, even when these sons have very ordinary abilities and hardly any experience. Meanwhile, poor young men with unusual ability, a good education, good character, and extensive experience often have to fight for years to get even mediocre jobs. There are thousands of highly capable young men, in both cities and the country, who seem forced by circumstances to stay in ordinary, low-paying jobs. At the same time, others around them are given desirable positions because of money or family influence. In other words, we all know that the best men do not always get the best positions. Circumstances have a great deal to do with our jobs, our salaries, and our standing in life.

Every one knows that there is not always a way where there is a will; that labor does not always conquer all things; that there are things impossible even to him that wills, however strongly; that one can not always make anything of himself he chooses; that there are limitations in our very natures which no amount of will-power or industry can overcome.

Everyone knows that where there is a will, there is not always a way. Hard work does not always conquer everything. Some things are impossible even for someone with the strongest will. People cannot always become whatever they choose. There are limits in our very nature that no amount of willpower or hard work can overcome.

But while it is true that the will-power can not perform miracles, yet that it is almost omnipotent, and can perform wonders, all history goes to prove. As Shakespeare says:—

But while willpower cannot perform miracles, all of history proves that it is almost all-powerful and can work wonders. As Shakespeare says:

Show me a man who according to popular prejudice is a victim of bad luck, and I will show you one who has some unfortunate crooked twist of temperament that invites disaster. He is ill-tempered, conceited, or trifling; lacks character, enthusiasm, or some other requisite for success.

Show me a man people believe is a victim of bad luck, and I will show you someone whose flawed temperament invites disaster. He is bad-tempered, conceited, or frivolous. He lacks character, enthusiasm, or some other quality needed for success.

Disraeli said that man is not the creature of circumstances, but that circumstances are the creatures of men.

Disraeli said that people are not shaped by circumstances. Instead, people shape their circumstances.

Believe in the power of will, which annihilates the sickly, sentimental doctrine of fatalism,—you must, but can't, you ought, but it is impossible.

Believe in the power of will, which destroys the weak, sentimental doctrine of fatalism: you must, but you can't. You ought to, but it's impossible.

Give me the man who faces what he must,

Give me the man who faces what he must,

The indomitable will, the inflexible purpose, will find a way or make one. There is always room for a man of force.

An unstoppable will and a firm purpose will find a way or make one. There is always room for a forceful man.

"He who has a firm will," says Goethe, "molds the world to himself." "People do not lack strength," says Victor Hugo, "they lack will."

"Anyone with a strong will," says Goethe, "shapes the world to suit themselves." "People do not lack strength," says Victor Hugo, "they lack will."

"He who resolves upon any great end, by that very resolution has scaled the great barriers to it, and he who seizes the grand idea of self-cultivation, and solemnly resolves upon it, will find that idea, that resolution, burning like fire within him, and ever putting him upon his own improvement. He will find it removing difficulties, searching out, or making means; giving courage for despondency, and strength for weakness."

“Anyone who commits to a great goal has, by that very commitment, overcome the greatest barriers to it. Anyone who embraces the great idea of self-improvement and commits to it seriously will find that commitment burning within like fire. It will constantly urge him to improve himself. He will find it removing difficulties and finding or creating ways forward. It will give him courage in place of despair and strength in place of weakness.”

Nearly all great men, those who have towered high above their fellows, have been remarkable above all things else for their energy of will. Of Julius Caesar it was said by a contemporary that it was his activity and giant determination, rather than his military skill, that won his victories. The youth who starts out in life determined to make the most of his eyes and let nothing escape him which he can possibly use for his own advancement; who keeps his ears open for every sound that can help him on his way, who keeps his hands open that he may clutch every opportunity, who is ever on the alert for everything which can help him to get on in the world, who seizes every experience in life and grinds it up into paint for his great life's picture, who keeps his heart open that he may catch every noble impulse, and everything which may inspire him,—that youth will be sure to make his life successful; there are no "ifs" or "ands" about it. If he has his health, nothing can keep him from final success.

Nearly all great men who have risen high above others have been remarkable above all for their force of will. A contemporary said that Julius Caesar won his victories through his energy and enormous determination, rather than his military skill. A young man sets out in life determined to make the most of his eyes. He lets nothing escape him that he can possibly use to advance. He keeps his ears open for every sound that can help him on his way. He keeps his hands open to seize every opportunity. He is always alert to anything that can help him get ahead in the world. He takes every experience in life and grinds it into paint for the great picture of his life. He keeps his heart open to every noble impulse and everything that might inspire him. That young man is sure to make a success of his life. There are no "ifs" or "ands" about it. If he has his health, nothing can keep him from eventual success.

No tyranny of circumstances can permanently imprison a determined will.

No difficult circumstances can keep a determined will trapped forever.

The world always stands aside for the determined man.

The world always makes way for a determined man.

"The general of a large army may be defeated," said Confucius, "but you can not defeat the determined mind of a peasant."

"The general of a large army may be defeated," said Confucius, "but you cannot defeat a peasant's determined mind."

The poor, deaf pauper, Kitto, who made shoes in the almshouse, and who became the greatest of Biblical scholars, wrote in his journal, on the threshold of manhood: "I am not myself a believer in impossibilities: I think that all the fine stories about natural ability, etc., are mere rigmarole, and that every man may, according to his opportunities and industry, render himself almost anything he wishes to become."

Kitto was poor and deaf, and he made shoes in a poorhouse. He went on to become the greatest Biblical scholar. As he entered adulthood, he wrote in his journal: "I do not believe in impossibilities. I think all the fine stories about natural ability and such are nonsense. Every man can, depending on his opportunities and hard work, make himself almost anything he wishes to become."

Lincoln is probably the most remarkable example on the pages of history, showing the possibilities of our country. From the poverty in which he was born, through the rowdyism of a frontier town, the discouragement of early bankruptcy, and the fluctuations of popular politics, he rose to the championship of union and freedom.

Lincoln is probably history’s most remarkable example of the opportunities our country offers. He was born into poverty and lived amid the disorder of a frontier town. He faced the discouragement of bankruptcy early in life and the ups and downs of popular politics. Through it all, he rose to become a champion of the Union and freedom.

Lincoln's will made his way. When his friends nominated him as a candidate for the legislature, his enemies made fun of him. When making his campaign speeches he wore a mixed jean coat so short that he could not sit down on it, flax and tow-linen trousers, straw hat, and pot-metal boots. He had nothing in the world but character and friends.

Lincoln's determination helped him succeed. When his friends nominated him for the legislature, his enemies made fun of him. During his campaign speeches, he wore a mixed-fabric jean coat so short he could not sit on it. He also wore coarse linen trousers, a straw hat, and pot-metal boots. He had nothing in the world but character and friends.

When his friends suggested law to him, he laughed at the idea of his being a lawyer. He said he had not brains enough. He read law barefoot under the trees, his neighbors said, and he sometimes slept on the counter in the store where he worked. He had to borrow money to buy a suit of clothes to make a respectable appearance in the legislature, and walked to take his seat at Vandalia,—one hundred miles.

When his friends suggested he become a lawyer, he laughed at the idea. He said he did not have enough brains. His neighbors said he studied law barefoot under the trees. He sometimes slept on the counter in the store where he worked. He had to borrow money to buy a suit so he would look respectable in the legislature. He walked one hundred miles to Vandalia to take his seat.

See Thurlow Weed, defying poverty and wading through the snow two miles, with rags for shoes, to borrow a book to read before the sap-bush fire. See Locke, living on bread and water in a Dutch garret. See Heyne, sleeping many a night on a barn floor with only a book for his pillow. See Samuel Drew, tightening his apron string "in lieu of a dinner." History is full of such examples. He who will pay the price for victory need never fear final defeat.

Look at Thurlow Weed, facing poverty and trudging two miles through the snow with rags for shoes. He went to borrow a book to read by the fire in the sugarbush. Look at Locke, living on bread and water in a Dutch attic. Look at Heyne, spending many nights on a barn floor with only a book for a pillow. Look at Samuel Drew, tightening his apron string "instead of eating dinner." History is full of such examples. Anyone willing to pay the price for victory need never fear final defeat.

Paris was in the hands of a mob, the authorities were panic-stricken, for they did not dare to trust their underlings. In came a man who said, "I know a young officer who has the courage and ability to quell this mob." "Send for him; send for him; send for him," said they. Napoleon was sent for, came, subjugated the mob, subjugated the authorities, ruled France and then conquered Europe.

Paris was in the hands of a mob. The authorities were terrified because they did not dare trust their subordinates. A man came in and said, "I know a young officer who has the courage and ability to stop this mob." "Send for him, send for him, send for him," they said. They sent for Napoleon, and he came and subdued the mob. He then subdued the authorities, ruled France, and conquered Europe.

Success in life is dependent largely upon the will-power, and whatever weakens or impairs it diminishes success. The will can be educated. That which most easily becomes a habit in us is the will. Learn, then, to will decisively and strongly; thus fix your floating life, and leave it no longer to be carried hither and thither, like a withered leaf, by every wind that blows. "It is not talent that men lack, it is the will to labor; it is the purpose."

Success in life depends largely on willpower, and whatever weakens it diminishes success. The will can be trained. More than anything else, exercising the will can become a habit. So learn to make decisions with firmness and resolve. Give your drifting life direction, instead of letting every wind carry it around like a withered leaf. "It is not talent that people lack. It is the will to work, the sense of purpose."

It was the insatiable thirst for knowledge which held to his task, through poverty and discouragement, John Leyden, a Scotch shepherd's son. Barefoot and alone, he walked six or eight miles daily to learn to read, which was all the schooling he had. His desire for an education defied the extremest poverty, and no obstacle could turn him from his purpose. He was rich when he discovered a little bookstore, and his thirsty soul would drink in the precious treasures from its priceless volumes for hours, perfectly oblivious of the scanty meal of bread and water which awaited him at his lowly lodging. Nothing could discourage him from trying to improve himself by study. It seemed to him that an opportunity to get at books and lectures was all that any man could need. Before he was nineteen, this poor shepherd boy with no chance had astonished the professors of Edinburgh by his knowledge of Greek and Latin.

John Leyden, the son of a Scottish shepherd, had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. It kept him studying through poverty and discouragement. Barefoot and alone, he walked six or eight miles every day to learn to read. That was all the schooling he ever had. His desire for an education overcame extreme poverty, and no obstacle could turn him from his purpose. When he discovered a small bookstore, he felt rich. For hours, his thirsty soul drank in the precious treasures of its priceless books. He forgot all about the meager meal of bread and water waiting for him at his humble lodging. Nothing could discourage him from trying to improve himself through study. He felt that access to books and lectures was all any man could need. Before he was nineteen, this poor shepherd boy with no opportunities had astonished the professors of Edinburgh with his knowledge of Greek and Latin.

Hearing that a surgeon's assistant in the Civil Service was wanted, although he knew nothing whatever of medicine, he determined to apply for it. There were only six months before the place was to be filled, but nothing would daunt him, and he took his degree with honor. Walter Scott, who thought this one of the most remarkable illustrations of perseverance, helped to fit him out, and he sailed for India.

He heard that the Civil Service needed a surgeon's assistant. Although he knew nothing about medicine, he decided to apply. Only six months remained before the position would be filled, but nothing could discourage him. He earned his degree with honors. Walter Scott thought this was one of the most remarkable examples of perseverance. He helped equip him for the journey, and he sailed for India.

Webster was very poor even after he entered Dartmouth College. A friend sent him a recipe for greasing his boots. Webster wrote and thanked him, and added: "But my boots needs other doctoring, for they not only admit water, but even peas and gravel-stones." Yet he became one of the greatest men in the world. Sydney Smith said: "Webster was a living lie, because no man on earth could be as great as he looked." Carlyle said of him: "One would incline at sight to back him against the world."

Webster was very poor even after he entered Dartmouth College. A friend sent him a recipe for greasing his boots. Webster wrote to thank him and added: "But my boots need other repairs, because they let in not only water but even peas and gravel." Yet he became one of the greatest men in the world. Sydney Smith said: "Webster was a living lie, because no man on earth could be as great as he looked." Carlyle said of him: "At first sight, one would be inclined to back him against the world."

What seemed to be luck followed Stephen Girard all his life. No matter what he did, it always seemed to others to turn to his account.

What seemed like luck followed Stephen Girard all his life. No matter what he did, others always thought it worked to his advantage.

Being a foreigner, unable to speak English, short, stout, and with a repulsive face, blind in one eye, it was hard for him to get a start. But he was not the man to give up. He had begun as a cabin boy at thirteen, and for nine years sailed between Bordeaux and the French West Indies. He improved every leisure minute at sea, mastering the art of navigation.

As a foreigner who could not speak English, he had a hard time getting started. He was also short and stout, with a repulsive face, and blind in one eye. But he was not the kind of man to give up. He had started as a cabin boy at thirteen and sailed between Bordeaux and the French West Indies for nine years. He used every free minute at sea to master navigation.

At the age of eight he had first discovered that he was blind in one eye. His father, evidently thinking that he would never amount to anything, would not help him to an education beyond that of mere reading and writing, but sent his younger brothers to college. The discovery of his blindness, the neglect of his father, and the chagrin of his brothers' advancement soured his whole life.

At eight, he first discovered that he was blind in one eye. His father apparently thought he would never amount to anything. He would not help him get an education beyond learning to read and write, but sent his younger brothers to college. Discovering his blindness, his father’s neglect, and his resentment of his brothers’ advancement soured his whole life.

When he began business for himself in Philadelphia, there seemed to be nothing he would not do for money. He bought and sold anything, from groceries to old junk; he bottled wine and cider, from which he made a good profit. Everything he touched prospered.

When he started his own business in Philadelphia, it seemed there was nothing he would not do for money. He bought and sold everything from groceries to old junk. He also bottled wine and cider, making a good profit from them. Everything he touched prospered.

He left nothing to chance. His plans and schemes were worked out with mathematical care. His letters written to his captains in foreign ports, laying out their routes and giving detailed instructions, are models of foresight and systematic planning. He never left anything of importance to others. He was rigidly accurate in his instructions, and would not allow the slightest departure from them. He used to say that while his captains might save him money by deviating from instructions once, yet they would cause loss in ninety-nine other cases.

He left nothing to chance. He worked out his plans with mathematical care. His letters to his captains in foreign ports are models of foresight and systematic planning. They laid out the captains’ routes and gave detailed instructions. He never left anything important to others. His instructions were exact, and he would not allow the slightest departure from them. He used to say that his captains might save him money by departing from his instructions once. But they would cause losses in ninety-nine other cases.

He never lost a ship, and many times that which brought financial ruin to many others, as the War of 1812, only increased his wealth. Everybody, especially his jealous brother merchants, attributed his great success to his luck. While undoubtedly he was fortunate in happening to be at the right place at the right time, yet he was precision, method, accuracy, energy itself. What seemed luck with him was only good judgment and promptness in seizing opportunities, and the greatest care and zeal in improving them to their utmost possibilities.

He never lost a ship. Many times, events that ruined others financially, such as the War of 1812, only increased his wealth. Everyone, especially his jealous fellow merchants, credited his great success to luck. He was undoubtedly fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. But he was the very picture of precision, method, accuracy, and energy. What seemed like luck was simply good judgment and prompt action in seizing opportunities. He also took the greatest care and worked tirelessly to make the most of those opportunities.

The mathematician tells you that if you throw the dice, there are thirty chances to one against your turning up a particular number, and a hundred to one against your repeating the same throw three times in succession: and so on in an augmenting ratio.

A mathematician tells you that if you roll the dice, the odds are thirty to one against rolling a particular number. The odds are a hundred to one against making the same roll three times in a row. The odds against further repetitions keep increasing.

Many a young man who has read the story of John Wanamaker's romantic career has gained very little inspiration or help from it toward his own elevation and advancement, for he looks upon it as the result of good luck, chance, or fate. "What a lucky fellow," he says to himself as he reads; "what a bonanza he fell into!" But a careful analysis of Wanamaker's life only enforces the same lesson taught by the analysis of most great lives, namely, that a good mother, a good constitution, the habit of hard work, indomitable energy, determination which knows no defeat, decision which never wavers, a concentration which never scatters its forces, courage which never falters, self-mastery which can say No, and stick to it, strict integrity and downright honesty, a cheerful disposition, unbounded enthusiasm in one's calling, and a high aim and noble purpose insure a very large measure of success.

Many young men who have read the story of John Wanamaker's remarkable career have gained little inspiration or help for their own advancement. They see his success as the result of good luck, chance, or fate. "What a lucky fellow," a young man says to himself as he reads. "What a windfall he stumbled into!" But a careful look at Wanamaker's life reinforces the lesson taught by most great lives. A good mother, good health, and the habit of hard work help ensure a great measure of success. So do boundless energy, determination that knows no defeat, steady resolve, and focused effort. Courage that never falters and the self-control to say no and stick to it also matter. So do strict integrity, plain honesty, a cheerful disposition, boundless enthusiasm for one's work, and a high aim and noble purpose.

Youth should be taught that there is something in circumstances; that there is such a thing as a poor pedestrian happening to find no obstruction in his way, and reaching the goal when a better walker finds the drawbridge up, the street blockaded, and so fails to win the race; that wealth often does place unworthy sons in high positions; that family influence does gain a lawyer clients, a physician patients, an ordinary scholar a good professorship; but that, on the other hand, position, clients, patients, professorships, managers' and superintendents' positions do not necessarily constitute success. He should be taught that in the long run, as a rule, the best man does win the best place, and that persistent merit does succeed.

Young people should be taught that circumstances matter. A poor walker may find no obstacles and reach the finish line. Meanwhile, a better walker may find the drawbridge raised or the street blocked and lose the race. Wealth often does put unworthy sons in high positions. Family influence does bring clients to a lawyer and patients to a doctor. It can also help an ordinary scholar gain a good professorship. But positions, clients, patients, professorships, and jobs as managers or superintendents do not necessarily amount to success. Young people should also be taught that, in the long run, as a rule, the best person does get the best position, and that persistent merit does succeed.

There is about as much chance of idleness and incapacity winning real success or a high position in life, as there would be in producing a "Paradise Lost" by shaking up promiscuously the separate words of Webster's Dictionary, and letting them fall at random on the floor. Fortune smiles upon those who roll up their sleeves and put their shoulders to the wheel; upon men who are not afraid of dreary, dry, irksome drudgery, men of nerve and grit who do not turn aside for dirt and detail.

Idleness and inability are unlikely to bring real success or a high position in life. They have about as much chance as shaking up the individual words of Webster's Dictionary and letting them fall randomly on the floor to produce "Paradise Lost". Fortune smiles on those who roll up their sleeves and get to work. It favors men who are not afraid of dull, tedious, demanding work. These men have courage and determination. They do not turn away from dirt or details.

The youth should be taught that "he alone is great, who, by a life heroic, conquers fate"; that "diligence is the mother of good luck"; that nine times out of ten what we call luck or fate is but a mere bugbear of the indolent, the languid, the purposeless, the careless, the indifferent; that, as a rule, the man who fails does not see or seize his opportunity. Opportunity is coy, is swift, is gone, before the slow, the unobservant, the indolent, or the careless can seize her:—

Young people should be taught that "only someone who lives heroically and conquers fate is truly great." They should learn that "hard work is the mother of good luck." Nine times out of ten, what we call luck or fate is merely a bogeyman for the lazy, sluggish, aimless, careless, and indifferent. As a rule, a man who fails does not see or seize his opportunity. Opportunity is elusive and swift. It is gone before the slow, unobservant, lazy, or careless can seize it:

It has been well said that the very reputation of being strong-willed, plucky, and indefatigable is of priceless value. It often cows enemies and dispels at the start opposition to one's undertakings which would otherwise be formidable.

It has rightly been said that a reputation for being strong-willed, courageous, and tireless is priceless. It often intimidates enemies and stops opposition to one's efforts before it begins. Otherwise, that opposition could be formidable.

It is astonishing what men who have come to their senses late in life have accomplished by a sudden resolution.

It is astonishing what men who came to their senses late in life have accomplished through a sudden decision.

Arkwright was fifty years of age when he began to learn English grammar and improve his writing and spelling. Benjamin Franklin was past fifty before he began the study of science and philosophy. Milton, in his blindness, was past the age of fifty when he sat down to complete his world-known epic, and Scott at fifty-five took up his pen to redeem a liability of $600,000. "Yet I am learning," said Michael Angelo, when threescore years and ten were past, and he had long attained the highest triumphs of his art.

Arkwright was fifty when he began to learn English grammar and improve his writing and spelling. Benjamin Franklin was over fifty before he began studying science and philosophy. Milton was blind and over fifty when he sat down to complete his world-famous epic. At fifty-five, Scott took up his pen to pay off a debt of $600,000. "Yet I am learning," said Michael Angelo after he had passed seventy. He had long since achieved the greatest triumphs of his art.

Even brains are second in importance to will. The vacillating man is always pushed aside in the race of life. It is only the weak and vacillating who halt before adverse circumstances and obstacles. A man with an iron will, with a determination that nothing shall check his career, is sure, if he has perseverance and grit, to succeed. We may not find time for what we would like, but what we long for and strive for with all our strength, we usually approximate, if we do not fully reach.

Even intelligence is less important than willpower. An indecisive man is always pushed aside in the race of life. Only the weak and indecisive stop when they face hardship and obstacles. A man with an iron will is determined to let nothing stop his progress. If he has perseverance and grit, he is sure to succeed. We may not find time for what we would like. But we usually come close to what we long for and pursue with all our strength, even if we do not fully achieve it.

I wish it were possible to show the youth of America the great part that the will might play in their success in life and in their happiness as well. The achievements of will-power are simply beyond computation. Scarcely anything in reason seems impossible to the man who can will strong enough and long enough.

I wish I could show young people in America how much willpower can contribute to their success and happiness. What willpower can achieve is simply beyond measure. Almost nothing within reason seems impossible to a man who can will strongly enough and long enough.

How often we see this illustrated in the case of a young woman who suddenly becomes conscious that she is plain and unattractive; who, by prodigious exercise of her will and untiring industry, resolves to redeem herself from obscurity and commonness; and who not only makes up for her deficiencies, but elevates herself into a prominence and importance which mere personal attractions could never have given her! Charlotte Cushman, without a charm of form or face, climbed to the very top of her profession. How many young men, stung by consciousness of physical deformity or mental deficiencies, have, by a strong, persistent exercise of will-power, raised themselves from mediocrity and placed themselves high above those who scorned them!

How often we see this in a young woman who suddenly realizes that she is plain and unattractive. Through extraordinary willpower and tireless work, she resolves to rise above obscurity and ordinariness. She not only makes up for her shortcomings, but achieves a prominence and importance that beauty alone could never have given her! Charlotte Cushman, though she had neither a charming figure nor a beautiful face, rose to the very top of her profession. How many young men have been stung by awareness of physical deformities or mental shortcomings! Through strong, persistent willpower, they have risen above mediocrity and placed themselves far above those who scorned them.

History is full of examples of men and women who have redeemed themselves from disgrace, poverty, and misfortune by the firm resolution of an iron will. The consciousness of being looked upon as inferior, as incapable of accomplishing what others accomplish; the sensitiveness at being considered a dunce in school, has stung many a youth into a determination which has elevated him far above those who laughed at him, as in the case of Newton, of Adam Clark, of Sheridan, Wellington, Goldsmith, Dr. Chalmers, Curran, Disraeli and hundreds of others.

History is full of examples of men and women who overcame disgrace, poverty, and misfortune through iron determination. Many young people have been driven to succeed because others saw them as inferior or incapable of matching others' achievements. Others were stung by being thought of as dunces in school. Their determination raised them far above those who laughed at them. This was true of Newton, Adam Clark, Sheridan, Wellington, Goldsmith, Dr. Chalmers, Curran, Disraeli, and hundreds of others.

It is men like Mirabeau, who "trample upon impossibilities"; like Napoleon, who do not wait for opportunities, but make them; like Grant, who has only "unconditional surrender" for the enemy, who change the very front of the world.

Men like Mirabeau, who "trample upon impossibilities," change the face of the world. So do men like Napoleon, who make opportunities instead of waiting for them. And so do men like Grant, who accept only "unconditional surrender" from the enemy.

"I can't, it is impossible," said a foiled lieutenant to Alexander. "Be gone," shouted the conquering Macedonian, "there is nothing impossible to him who will try."

"I can't. It's impossible," a defeated lieutenant said to Alexander. "Go away!" shouted the conquering Macedonian. "Nothing is impossible for someone who will try."

Were I called upon to express in a word the secret of so many failures among those who started out in life with high hopes, I should say unhesitatingly, they lacked will-power. They could not half will. What is a man without a will? He is like an engine without steam, a mere sport of chance, to be tossed about hither and thither, always at the mercy of those who have wills. I should call the strength of will the test of a young man's possibilities. Can he will strong enough, and hold whatever he undertakes with an iron grip? It is the iron grip that takes the strong hold on life. "The truest wisdom," said Napoleon, "is a resolute determination." An iron will without principle might produce a Napoleon; but with character it would make a Wellington or a Grant, untarnished by ambition or avarice.

If I had to sum up in one word why so many people fail after starting life with high hopes, I would say without hesitation: willpower. They could barely summon the will to act. What is a man without a will? He is like an engine without steam, a plaything of chance, tossed back and forth. He is always at the mercy of those who have wills. I would call strength of will the test of a young man's potential. Can he will strongly enough and hold on to whatever he undertakes with an iron grip? It takes an iron grip to get a firm hold on life. "The truest wisdom," said Napoleon, "is a resolute determination." An iron will without principle might produce a Napoleon. But with character, it would make a Wellington or a Grant, unstained by ambition or greed.