Self Help
The best evidence that this analysis is correct is the fact that the letter
brought replies from every person to whom it was sent, despite the
fact that every one of these men was of the type that we speak of as
being a man of affairs - the type that is generally supposed to be too
busy to answer a letter of this nature.
Not only did the letter bring the desired replies, but the men to whom it was sent replied in person, with the exception of the late Theodore Roosevelt, who replied under the signature of a secretary.
John Wanamaker and Frank A. Vanderlip wrote two of the finest letters I have ever read, each a masterpiece that might well have adorned the pages of a more dignified volume than the one for which the letters were requested. CONCEIT is a fog, which envelops a man's real character beyond his own recognition. It weakens his native ability and strengthens all his inconsistencies.
Andrew Carnegie also wrote a letter that was well worth consideration by all who have personal services for sale. William Jennings Bryan wrote a fine letter, as did, also, the late Lord Northcliffe.
None of these men wrote merely to please me, for I was unknown to all of them, with the exception of four. They did not write to please me - they wrote to please themselves and to render a worthy service.
Perhaps the wording of the letter had something to do
with this, but, as to that, I make no point other than to state that all of
these men whom I have mentioned, and most others of their type, are
generally the most willing men to render service for others when they are
properly approached. I wish to take advantage of this appropriate
opportunity to state that all of the really big men whom I have had the
pleasure of knowing have been the most willing and courteous men of my
acquaintance when it came to rendering service that was of benefit to
others.
Perhaps that was one reason why they were really big men. The human mind is a marvellous piece of machinery! One of its outstanding characteristics is noticed in the fact that all impressions which reach it, either through outside suggestion or Auto-suggestion, are recorded together in groups which harmonize in nature.