Conwell saw that success is a spiritual idea, and is a result of spiritual principles. The story is told of a poor man who was determined to find his fortune. This story is the basis of Mr. Conwell's famous lecture, given over 6,000 times to many thousands of people. You, too, can find your fortune - if you know where to look. However, the man who knows the great writers of Western civilization will still have much to learn, but he will not die mentally bankrupt.
Great literature is the nearest thing to life.
In the great books one finds unfolded the life of all the ages. The reader of great books will travel to far countries, engage in sundry exploits, and meet many races of men. Instead of living in one community for one lifetime, he will live for centuries in Greece, Palestine, Rome, Egypt, and all of the countries of the world. Instead of doing one little task, he will engage in all of the activities of man's recorded history. Instead of having a few acquaintances he will look into the hearts and souls of many.