Title: The power of mental demand
First published: 1913
Description: This small book contains eleven very powerful essays concerning individual self-development and recipes for success in life.  the author is a phenomenally successful self-made business man who addressed and  utilized the vast opportunities offered to a young immigrant in the United States of America.  The author, in his second edition, addresses the purpose of his essays in a new preface.  This excerpt explains his approach: "In my essays I am not dealing with individuals as they are in the sense of trying to find the round hole for the round peg.  But I am trying to arouse in the individual the effort and determination to develop his capacities -- of the will as well as of the understanding -- to their highest possibilities, confident that when this is done, the right shaped hole will be easily found. ... It is not so muchthe manwho is, as the man who does. Ability is relatively plentiful -- and cheap. It is the initiative, organizing, commanding, creative power that is scarce, and gains the great rewards."     This book, printed in two editions in 1913 and 1916, is a classic in its very unique field.  It also hearkens us back to times before the present, when great value was placed on the power and the uniqueness of the individual person, and the importance that the individual plumb deeply to find and develop his full capacities, imagination, determination and courage.  These essays address the development of that individual, in plain language, labeling his essays "Wealth" "Courage" "Mental Control" etc.  His statements are short and to the point: e.g., "Enthusiasm is the inspiration of effort; the power that brings success." "Courage in its highest degree is manifested in persistence andenergy, with calmness and patience, exercised in the achievement of a great purpose.  To be courageous means both to dare and to do."   Virtually every sentence in these essays is worthy of framing, to be placed prominently on a wall where it can be a constant inspiration to any person desiring to maximize his potential in life.   The author is an example of the kind of leader who inspires all who come in contact with him.
Subjects: Success, inspiratonal, motivational, self-improvement, personal potential
Time periods: It is timeless, being a series of short essays containing direct observations and advice concerning development of one's full potential.