Most men are individuals no longer so far as their business, its activities, or its moralities are concerned. They are not units but fractions. You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand. I would rather lose in a cause that will some day win, than win in a cause that will some day lose. The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it. Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together. Genius is divine perseverance. Genius I cannot claim nor even extra brightness but perseverance all can have. I not only use all the brains I have but all I can borrow. We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true. If you will think about what you ought to do for other people, your character will take care of itself. Character is a by-product, and any man who devotes himself to its cultivation in his own case will become a selfish pig. Wilson was once asked how long it took him to write a speech. He answered, 'That depends. If I am to speak 10 minutes, I need a week for preparation. If 15 minutes, 3 days. If half hour, two days. If an hour, I am ready now.' |