The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1879-08-21
Scientific Americana
Self

There is no one element in a mans
character that contributes more to his
success in life, wisely says the United
States Economist, than confidence or
self-reliance in his own ability. A
faint-hearted man is unstable, and
will never excel. Faith in the en-
deavor to will and to execute is as i'm
portant in a successful business career
as is the keystone to the arch A
man possessed Of a bold, daring, and
resolute will may be modest in reveal
ing his powers, but will be determined
in performing what he conceives to be
right. To men with this never-dying
faith there is no such word as defeat
and when obstacles present themselves
in their path, it only results in their
putting forth greater effort to ac-
complish their purpose.
Toll, trial, disaster, gloom, and dan
ger may environ and threaten to over
throw the most cherished plans, yet
over and above all hinderances a
heroic soul will triumph and win fame
and honor. The discouragements that
would retard the irresolute only dis
cover the weak places to the brave
and, strengthening these, they renew
the conflict with increased vigor
Timidity creates towards and never
wins success. 1t is a strong and abid-
ing faith in ones own ability to per-
form that overcomes difficulties that
others thought could not be sur
mounted.
In all the pursuits Of life we find
that those who achieve honor and dis
tinction are strong and self-reliant in
their own powers, exercise faith III
their own ability, and carry out plans
conceived in their own brain. Morse
had faith in telegraphic wires, and
Field in submarine cables, and to-day,
in consequence thereof, the lightning
is harnessed toreonvey the news of the
world in every part of the habitable
globe within the compass of a few
hours. Two young men in 1862 COM
menced a banking business in Wall
street in a small office. They had
faith in their own ability and also that
Of the United States to pay its great
war debt. To-day they are the lead
ing bankers in government securities
on this continent, their daily sales
running into the millions, and their
name and credit take high rank in all
the financial centers of the world.
Not many years ago Edison occupied
an humble position as telegraph
operator; to-day his name and fame
are worldwide as associated with
some of the grandest discoveries Of
ancient OF modern times. Astor,
Stewart, and Vanderbilt furnish ex-
amples in the large fortunes they Gre
ated as to what well-directed energy
and determination can accomplish III
business pursuits, while the eventful
life of the late Judge Packer is an
other striking illustration of the high
position that can be attained by reli-
ance and perseverance in the individual
man, backed by a liberal endowment
of common sense. In the ever-widen-
ing paths of commerce and the ever
increasing monetary circles there open
up before the young men of the nation
rare opportunities to win wealth and
fortune. In agricultural, mining, in
dustrial, and mercantile pursuits like
avenues to attain distinction are pre-
sented. But fortune will not come
by chance nor distinction by hazard;
both must be won by strong, heroic
endeavor. Backbone is vital in the
achievement Of lofty aims, and nerve
and grit are essential requisites in the
battle Of life. A man, to triumph,
must have faith in his enterprise and
reliance in his ability.