The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1902-09-20


aire merchant Of Chicago, was asked |
some years ago to state what from
his experience he considered the ele-
meuts Of success. He answered briefly
at the time, but became more and |
more interested IN the questions as he
thought the matter over Finally he
drafted the following reply and hand
ed it to Or. Hills Marshall Field |
has built up fortune Of 5000, 900, 600 |
by legitimate business-the third pri-
yate fortune in the United States.-I
10 answer to your question, what
do you consider essential elements Of
success for young men standing upon
the threshold OF a business career, l
would say first, young man should
carefully consider what his natural
bent or inclination is, be it business
or profession; IN other words, take
stock OF himself aud ascertain, if
possible, what he is best adapted for
and endeavor to get into that voca-
tion with as few changes as possible.
Having entered upon 1t, then let him
pursue. the work IN hand with dill
gence and determination TO know IL
thoroughly, which can only be done
by close and enthusiastic application
of the powers at his command; strive
to master the details and put into it
an energy directed by strong common
sense so as to make his services Of
value wherever he is; be alert and
ready to seize opportunities when
they present themselves. The trouble
with most young men is that they do
not learn anything thoroughly and
are apt to do the work committed to
them 10 a careless manner; forgetting
that what lis worth doing at all is
worth doing well, they become mere
drones and rely upon chance to bring
them success. The business world is
| full Of just such young men, content
in simply putting in their time some
how and drawing their salaries; max
iug no effort whatever to increase
their efficiency and thereby enhance
their ewn as we'll as their employer
interest, There are Others who want
to do what they are not fitted for anC
waste their lives 10 what may be call
ed mistit occupations; far better be {
good carpenter or mechanic Of any kline
than poor business or professiona
man.
Next to the selection Of occupation
is that of companions. Particularly
is this important in the case of youni
men beginning their career in strang,
cities away from home influences, a
too often is iit the case that youn!
men of excellent abilities are ruined
by evil associates; young man there
fore cannot too early guard agains
forming friendship with those who's
, tendency is to lead him on the down
ward path. To every young man
: would say, seek at the start TO cult
Vate the acquaintance Of those onl
W hose contact and influence will XII
die high purposes, as l regard th
, building up Of a sterling characte
one Of the fundamental principles Q
true success. The young man posses
: sing a conscience that cannot broo
the slightest suspicion of wrong dc
ing and which insists on steadfast an
undertaking truthfulness, sturdy hor
esty and strict devotion to duty uude
U all circumstances has fortune to b(
: gin with. The ability to restrain az
. petite, passions, tongue and temper
TO be their master and not their slave
> in word, absolute self.control,
y also OF first Importance; one who Cal
7 not govern himself is untitled
: govern others.
q Economy is one OF the most esset
iial elements OF success, yet mos
wretchedly disregarded The ol
!. adage; s'Willful waste makes woefI
Is want" never was more full exemplihe
d tnan IN these days when much Of u
It want that now prevails wonld NJ
e exist had clFe BEEN AIKEN Ia Time
y prosperity to lay up sgmething tn
y srany day. The average your
mnn u today wh nshe begins tv al