Many years ago I heard this story of Bismarck. If it is not true, it
ought to be. And if it is not true specifically, it is true
abstractly. He had just returned from one of his notable diplomatic
victories at the beginning of his career; great crowds had assembled
for a speech.
Bismarck heard it all, but smoked and drank his beer and gave no sign.
His secretary rushed in with excitement, and said:
"You must go out and acknowledge the applause of the people, and make
a speech."
"And why," said Bismarck; "why do they want me to speak; why are they
applauding me?"
"Because of your great success in these negotiations," said the
secretary.
"Humph!" said Bismarck, "suppose I had failed?" and turned back to his
smoking and his beer.
Bismarck, you see, was too great for applause.
I have quoted the Bible so frequently that it suggests remarks upon
one of the great influences of life--the influence of books. Like
every other power, this should be exercised with judgment. Let us
indulge no immoderate expectations of the results of mere reading.
Reading is, at best, only second-hand information and inspiration. It
is not the number of books a man has read that makes him available in
the world of business.
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