METHODS OF SUCCESS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3592, 3 August 1912, Page 10

METHODS OF SUCCESS.

This month the editor cf the “Strand ' prints a symposium of opinions contributed by eminent men regarding the surest methods of attaining to success in life, especially in the direction of commerce. __ Leaving the essential of genius out of consideration, these authorities differ very much as to the value of routine, though all agree that an interest in anything undertaken is a first essential if it is to prosper. _ Mr. Rockefeller does believe in fixed rules and a minute care for details. “I confess that I attach great importance to routine- Ido not believe in what is called “the rule of thumb;” the rudiments of business should be properly taught, and the ground prepared to build upon. If a youth has had no thorough grounding, a time may come when his weakness for detail will show itself. When people write to me asking for the secret of my success, I always tell them that I owe everything to a love for and mastery of, details. A man playing chess or billiards-or golf must attend to details if lie wants to win Everyone ought to be able to keep his own books and know exactly to penny how the money comes in and how it goes out.” Lord Strathcona, on the other hand, seems to lay more stress on a general personal interest as a road to success. The essentials, in his opinion, in order of value, are interest, diligence, with system last of all. He has always found the best rest to be work of another kind.

“Even to-day, in my 12nd year. I am ready for work at half-past eight every morning and my correspondence official engagements, personal interviews, generally keep me employed until late at night. By this kind or alternation of duties, and also by never allowing myself to be- hurried over anything. I obtain all the recreation I need. Hurry and bustle 1 have always endeavored to avoid.” There is no fun like'work :s irir Thomas Lipton’s cheering conclusion, though he adds the rider that when the game is won there may -still be some pleasure to be extracted from other forms of recreation.

"There is one motto which I would like to impress upon every young man in business —“There is no fun like work.’’ I always keep this motto before me. Of course, after a man has won the game he set out to win. after he has succeeded in life, lie can do wliat lie likes. But while he is working, work ought to he all his life. It ought to be work and- play too. I have often worked eighteen hours a day, and enjoyed every minute. “"Work while you work, and play while you play,” Sir 'Walter Gilbey regards as a golden axiom, and Mr. Walter Morford, head of the firm of Swan and Edgar, believes m appli ation it one may judge by the working hours of G. 30 a-in. to 12 midnight, which he says he often spent happily at his desk. The article is extremely interesting, and not the less so on account of the great diversity of opinion it exhibits in experts dealing with a common theme. — ; -Telegraph.”