No matter where you go, study the situation. Think why the man does not do better if he is not doing well, why he remains in mediocrity all his life. If he is making a remarkable success, try to find out why. Keep your eyes open, your ears open. Make deductions from what you see and hear. Trace difficulties; look up evidences of success or failure everywhere. It will be one of the greatest factors in your own success.
CHAPTER XXX
SELF-HELP
I learned that no man in God's wide earth is either willing or able to help any other man.—PESTALOZZI.
What I am I have made myself.—HUMPHRY DAVY.
Be sure, my son, and remember that the best men always make themselves.—PATRICK HENRY.
Hereditary bondsmen, know ye not
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow?
BYRON.
Who waits to have his task marked out,
Shall die and leave his errand unfulfilled.
LOWELL.
"Colonel Crockett makes room for himself!" exclaimed a backwoods congressman in answer to the exclamation of the White House usher to "Make room for Colonel Crockett!" This remarkable man was not afraid to oppose the head of a great nation. He preferred being right to being president. Though rough, uncultured, and uncouth, Crockett was a man of great courage and determination.