Chapter 1

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

It is with some hesitation that we have decided to write this small book, titled "The Secret of Success." It is not that we lack sympathy for the subject, or that we do not believe a "Secret of Success" exists. Rather, it is because so much has been written on this topic that is absolute nonsense—masses of dull, repetitive phrasing original: "platitudinous wordiness"—that we hesitate to take on the role of a teacher of success. It is very easy to fill pages of paper with good advice. It is much easier to say things than to do them, and much easier to create a code of rules original: "precepts" than to go out into the field of active effort and put those same rules into practice. You can imagine why we hesitate to take a role that would make us look like one of those "do as I tell you, not as I do" teachers.

But there is another side to the question. Beyond the mere recital of a "List of Good Qualities Leading to Success"—a list every schoolboy and magazine reader is already familiar with—there is something else. This "something else" is the suggestion that the person seeking success has a "Something Within" A core concept in New Thought philosophy, referring to an inherent, often untapped, mental or spiritual power within the individual. themselves. If this is put into activity and action, it will prove to be of great value. It is a true Secret of Success, rather than just a code of rules.

Therefore, we propose to devote this small book to explaining our idea of what this "Something Within" is, and what it will do for someone who will develop and express it through action. Do not expect to find this book a "Complete Collection original: "Compendium" of Rules for Success, Approved and Formulated by the Successful Men of the World who only learned these Rules after they had already attained success, and consequently had the time and desire to preach to others." This is not that kind of book. It is quite different. We hope you will like it; it will do you good in any event.

Everyone is striving and seeking success. Their ideas of success may differ, but they all agree that achievement is desirable. "Attainment"—that is the word which captures the essence of what we call success. It is the "getting there" idea—the idea of reaching the goal we set for ourselves. That is the whole story: attainment.

Many men and women have tried to point out the way to success. While some have provided valuable service to those following them on the Path of Attainment, no one has been able to tell the whole story of success. This is not surprising, because on the road to success...