Some Suggestions on Success

Some Suggestions on Success BY D.C. STEPHENSON The Prophet Joseph Smith said, on one occasion, that we should seek wisdom out of the best books ; and, having a few moments to spare, I am taking the privilege of copying a few rules that Edward W. Bok, editor of the Ladies' Home Journal, gives as a concise set for the success of the country lad in the city. To me they send forth a wealth of wisdom and encouragement to any one, whether in the country or in the city : "Be sure to get into a business you like. "Devote yourself to it. "Be honest in everything; don't blink at honesty — look it straight in the face. "Be thorough. Do everything as if it were the only thing you were ever going to do, and your life reputation must be made upon the result. "Employ caution; think out a thing before entering upon it. "Sleep eight hours every night; do this despite everything; rather lese a chance than lose an hour of sleep. "Do everything that means keeping in good health. "Avoid liquors of all kinds. "Be deferential to women, always, never forgetting that your mother is a woman. "Shun discussions on two points — religion and politics. "Cultivate the society of good women; a good woman is always a man's best friend: first and last, choose the truest among them; marry her, and have your own home. "And whatever else you may forget of your early days; remember that there are obligations which bind your thoughts and affections to those from whom you sprang. Success will never come to a son who either forgets his parents, or looks askance at them, because in a measure he has outgrown their ways, he being of the city, and they of the country. Closely knitted into every success, is the only com- mandment of all the ten to which is attached a promise: 'Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land.' " To these we may profitably attach a few rules from the pen of the ex-minister of the United States to Austria, John M. Fran- cis, on the subject of Economy: 1. "Get the best education opportunity may offer and diligent study secure. Conquer the rudiments; learn to spell well, to write intelligently: learn grammar, the rules and logic of your language; study geography with patient care, and arithmetic for business equip- ment. 2. "Learn early to practice rigid economy; waste not at all; keep

SOME SUGGESTIONS ON SUCCESS 169 your accounts with careful accuracy. Shun bad company; work to become self-sustaining and independent. 3. "Take a proper and cool-minded interest in public affairs. Read good books, and read to learn and remember. 4. "Make up your mind that life is a struggle, and success re- wards those who are real workers. This is a stimulant for work. 5. "Learn as you may from the experience of others; do not feel obliged to learn everything from your own. In other words, listen to the advice of the wise and the good, so their opinions and instruc- tions may prove to you a power of help in time of need. 6. "Never be impatient or fickle-minded. Work for a purpose; press forward — never get discouraged. Be prudent; avoid debt except as necessity requires temporary credit. And be prepared at all hazards to meet its obligations as promised. And now, as the first and last rule, form the habit; make it a law of life always to be polite and just, and in business employment and activities strictly regardful of Economy." These rules are found in a book entitled, for Practical People. A Practical Book L. D. S. Choir in Rotterdam Elder J. E. Adams, Rotterdam, Holland: "The Rotterdam choir consists of about fifty members, all natives of Holland. Their cus- toms and habits are somewhat different from those of the Americans, but after having lived and worked with them for one year and a half I have become very much attached to the people. There are many isfaction and peace."