This paragraph is from Orison Swett Marden's chapter titled "Boys With No Chance".
"Stephen Girard had "no chance." He left his home in France when ten years old, and came to America as a cabin boy. His great ambition was to get on and succeed at any cost. There was no work, however hard and disagreeable, that he would not undertake. Midas like, he turned to gold everything he touched, and became one of the wealthiest merchants of Philadelphia.
His abnormal love of money cannot be commended, but his thoroughness in all he did, his public spirit at times of national need, and willingness to risk his life to save strangers sick with the deadly yellow fever, are traits of character well worthy of imitation."
There are a number of things I like about this quote; when I whine and moan, it sobers me; it offers encouragement in the difficult times we are in; and I like the way he separates the meat from the bones: he recognizes this man's faults, but appreciates his strengths. Emerson said
"a man should be remembered for his best traits", something like that, and that is what Marden does in this quote, he notes his abnormal love of money, but after that bone is removed, there is wholesome meat to enjoy. I like That.
I put this post under "Table Talk", which is a heading I'm using for quotes, thoughts, or stories that are not necessarily Christian, but are moral or ethical and good for discussion with friends or children.
Photo taken from the internet
2 comments:
Hi Fred :)
Inspiring story!
America has always been a land of opportunity. People who were persecuted in Europe went America and prospered. No doubt they had to put in enormous amount of work but their efforts produced results.
Even today US is the preferred destination for Indians than any other country.
Many thanks for the excellent post.
Best wishes :)
Hi Joseph,
Yes it's true, it is a land of opportunity if one applies the principles and ethics that the pioneers of our country applied. Sadly today, there are too many that try and build wealth dishonestly, taking advantage of others. And another large group that try and get rich quick and foolishly invest in 'doomed from the start' schemes.
I'm happy to hear that the US is a preferred destination for Indians, I can tell you I would jump at the opportunity to go to India, it just intrigues me to know end. But for now I will have to enjoy it by pictures.
God bless,
Fred
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