Though you must not fear criticism, do not disregard it. You may find a suggestion in it, and thus your enemy will become your counselor. But applause! Fly from the desire for it as from pestilence. It will weaken you infinitely. And to a strong man achievement is the only applause of value—the making of his point.
Many years ago I heard this story of Bismarck. If it is not true, it ought to be. And if it is not true specifically, it is true abstractly. He had just returned from one of his notable diplomatic victories at the beginning of his career; great crowds had assembled for a speech.
Bismarck heard it all, but smoked and drank his beer and gave no sign. His secretary rushed in with excitement, and said:
"You must go out and acknowledge the applause of the people, and make a speech."
"And why," said Bismarck; "why do they want me to speak; why are they applauding me?"
"Because of your great success in these negotiations," said the secretary.
"Humph!" said Bismarck, "suppose I had failed?" and turned back to his smoking and his beer.
Bismarck, you see, was too great for applause.
I have quoted the Bible so frequently that it suggests remarks upon one of the great influences of life—the influence of books. Like every other power, this should be exercised with judgment. Let us indulge no immoderate expectations of the results of mere reading. Reading is, at best, only second-hand information and inspiration. It is not the number of books a man has read that makes him available in the world of business.
What the world wants is power; how to get that is the question.