How Libri GmbH How to Get on in the World Paperback

"H ow to Get on in the World: A Ladder to Practical Success" by Major A. R. Calhoun is a motivational guidebook written in the late 19th century. The work offers practical advice and insights aimed at helping individuals navigate the complexities of achieving success in various life callings, emphasizing the significance of character, hard work, and sound habits. With a thoughtful focus on personal development and the importance of moral integrity, it aims to equip readers-especially young men and women-with the tools necessary for achieving their goals. The opening portion of the book begins with the author's exploration of the concept of success, highlighting that its meaning varies across different fields, such as art, business, and science. Calhoun argues that true success must align with moral laws and benefit both the individual and society. He stresses the vital role of character as the foundation of success, calling it "crystallized habit," influenced by one's upbringing, environment, and education. The author also emphasizes the importance of choosing a suitable calling, encouraging readers to enter the workforce with a sense of purpose and dedication, while maintaining a lifelong commitment to character development and ethical integrity in all pursuits. T hat "Heaven helps those who help themselves," is a maxim as true as it is ancient. The great and indispensable help to success is character. Character is crystallized habit, the result of training and conviction. Every character is influenced by heredity, environment and education; but these apart, if every man were not to a great extent the architect of his own character, he would be a fatalist, an irresponsible creature of circumstances, which, even the skeptic must confess he is not. So long as a man has the power to change one habit, good or bad, for another, so long he is responsible for his own character, and this responsibility continues with life and reason. A man may be a graduate of the greatest university, and even a great genius, and yet be a most despicable character. Neither Peter Cooper, George Peabody nor Andrew Carnegie had the advantage of a college education, yet character made them the world's benefactors and more honored than princes.