Success
His approach was about as
follows:
"Whereas, Seor has a reputation as an exponent of the Golden Rule
philosophy; and whereas, Seor is known throughout the United
States as an independent who is not allied with any political faction,
now, therefore, would Seor be gracious enough to come to Mexico,
study the economic and political, affairs of that country, then return to
the United States and write a series of articles to appear in the
newspapers, recommending to the people of America the immediate
recognition of Mexico by the government of the United States, etc."
For this service, I was offered more money than I shall, perhaps, ever possess during my entire life; but I refused the commission, and for a reason that will fail to impress anyone except those who understand the principle which makes it necessary for all who would influence others to remain on good terms with their own conscience.
I could not write convincingly of Mexico's cause for the reason that I did not believe in that cause; therefore, I could not have mixed sufficient enthusiasm with my writing to have made it effective, even though I had been willing to prostitute my talent and dip my pen into ink that I knew to be muddy.
I will not endeavor further to explain my philosophy on this incident for the reason that those who are far enough advanced in the study of Auto-suggestion will not need further explanation, while those who are not far enough advanced would not and could not understand.
No man can afford to express, through words or acts, that which is not in harmony with his own belief, and if he does so he must pay by the loss of his ability to influence others. Please read, aloud, the foregoing paragraph! It is worth emphasizing by repetition, for lack of observation of the principle upon which it is based constitutes the rocks and reefs upon which many a man's definite chief aim dashes itself to pieces.
I do not believe that I can afford to try to deceive
anyone, about anything, but I know that I cannot afford to try to deceive
myself. To do so would destroy the power of my pen and render my words
ineffective.