MENTAL EFFICIENCY SERIES - PERSEVERANCE HOW TO DEVELOP IT
By H. BESSER
"Success attends him who determines to persevere."
PREFACE
Of all the modern "Keys to Fortune" none more easily turns the tumblers of the
lock of Life than Perseverance. This quality Plutarch described as all-powerful.
Said he, Perseverance is the best friend and ally of those who use properly the
opportunities that it presents, and the worst enemy of those who rush into
action before it summons them.''
With his motto "Success attends him who determines to persevere," the Author of
this work describes true perseverance; points out the impediments to its
attainment and the obstacles to be overcome. The Reader is warned against the
dangers of that excessive enthusiasm which leads to precipitancy, and is urged,
above all things, never to be precipitate, for precipitancy is the handmaiden of
error and the companion of misfortune. Likewise, he is advised to eschew
obstinacy as the companion of ignorance, self conceit, and false pride.
Obstinacy is an indication of a weak judgment and a stubborn mind. The obstinate
man is wanting in culture, for he lacks both delicacy and refinement of temper.
Edmund Burke described obstinacy as a great vice which was frequently the cause
of great mischief, for it is allied to constancy, fortitude, fidelity, firmness,
and magnanimity all commendable virtues, which if practiced to excess lead to
obstinacy, the one passion that never recovers from failure. It is the pathway
to that narrowness of mind which leads to self conceit.
Perseverance is the dogged determination that overcomes difficulties which
appear insurmountable. "Victory," said the great Napoleon, "belongs to him who
has the most perseverance." The spirit of indomitable perseverance crowns every
worthy effort. Here is a simple but effective guide to this great power.
The Second Part of this work is devoted by the Author to teaching how to acquire
that moral force which leads to the development of Perseverance. By practical
exercises he points out the way to secure it; teaches the control of self
through the influence of the will, and leads the diffident man to self-reliance
and that perseverance which plucks success even from the spear-point. The
battle-cry of all who would succeed must be '' Perseverance,'' but this battle
cry, like all others, is worthless without support.
By Perseverance Hannibal crossed the Alps in fifteen days, Julius Caesar in
eleven, and Napoleon the Great in five. He that would attain success must
support it with persistent effort full worthy of his aim; for, just as the
Indian strikes fire as the reward of continuous endeavor, so can we achieve
success by indomitable and unceasing exertion, and thus, on the forge of
experience, model the Key that shall turn the lock of Life and open the doors to
Fortune.
Every earnest Reader of the following pages may draw from them that strength of
mind, clearness of thought, and force of character that awaken enthusiasm and
inspire that confidence which the world at large readily grants to the
persevering and successful man. - The Publishers.
CONTENTS
PART ONE
The Impediments to Perseverance
I. True Perseverance
II. The Dangers of Obstinacy
III. How to Avoid Excess of Enthusiasm
IV. Indecision the Inveterate Foe of Perseverance
PART TWO
Perseverance: Its Acquisition and Effect--Practical Exercises
I. How to Develop Perseverance
II. Practical Exercises for Acquiring Perseverance
III. Perseverance in Our Daily
IV. Perseverance and the Choice of a Vocation
V. A Key to Fortune
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