Self Help; with Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance (eBook, PDF) - Smiles, Samuel
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Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct was a book published in 1859 by Samuel Smiles. The second edition of 1866 added Perseverance to the subtitle. It has been called "the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism". It has also been objected to the book that too much notice is taken in it of men who have succeeded in life by helping themselves, and too little of the multitude of men who have failed. “Why should not Failure,” it has been asked, “have its Plutarch as well as Success?” There is, indeed, no reason why Failure should not have its Plutarch, except that a record of mere…mehr

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Produktbeschreibung
Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct was a book published in 1859 by Samuel Smiles. The second edition of 1866 added Perseverance to the subtitle. It has been called "the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism". It has also been objected to the book that too much notice is taken in it of men who have succeeded in life by helping themselves, and too little of the multitude of men who have failed. “Why should not Failure,” it has been asked, “have its Plutarch as well as Success?” There is, indeed, no reason why Failure should not have its Plutarch, except that a record of mere failure would probably be found excessively depressing as well as uninstructive reading. It is, however, shown in the following pages that Failure is the best discipline of the true worker, by stimulating him to renewed efforts, evoking his best powers, and carrying him onward in self-culture, self-control, and growth in knowledge and wisdom. Viewed in this light, Failure, conquered by Perseverance, is always full of interest and instruction, and this we have endeavoured to illustrate by many examples. The object of the book briefly is, to re-inculcate these old-fashioned but wholesome lessons—which perhaps cannot be too often urged,—that youth must work in order to enjoy,—that nothing creditable can be accomplished without application and diligence,—that the student must not be daunted by difficulties, but conquer them by patience and perseverance,—and that, above all, he must seek elevation of character, without which capacity is worthless and worldly success is naught. If the author has not succeeded in illustrating these lessons, he can only say that he has failed in his object.
Autorenporträt
Samuel Smiles (1812-1904), a Scottish author and government reformer, is best known for his seminal work, 'Self Help; with Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance' (1859), which delineates his firm belief in the importance of individual self-improvement and hard work. Spawned during a period marked by Victorian ideals, Smiles' book was emblematic of the times, encouraging self-reliance and a diligent, ethical approach to life. With the maxim 'Heaven helps those who help themselves,' his writing extolled the virtues of self-control, thrift, and industriousness, presenting biographical sketches of famous individuals who triumphed through personal initiative and perseverance. 'Self Help' became a runaway bestseller, securing Smiles' reputation as an influential thinker in the realms of moral philosophy and sociology. His advocacy for self-improvement without reliance on the state resonated within a society transitioning through the Industrial Revolution; it has been interpreted as a blueprint for the concept of 'the self-made man.' Smiles' literary style was didactic, yet engaging—his narratives illuminated the potential for personal achievement in a rapidly changing world. A prolific writer, Smiles followed 'Self Help' with a series of complementary books, including 'Character' (1871), 'Thrift' (1875), and 'Duty' (1880), further expounding upon the themes of individual responsibility and character development. His work remains a cornerstone of self-improvement literature and continues to inspire those valuing personal industry and integrity.