I did not imagine myself a
genius. I did not even consider myself exceptionally brilliant or
talented. But it did seem to me, and the more I noted the doings of my
fellow-men and women, the more assured did I become of it, that I
possessed plain, practical common sense to an unusual and remarkable
degree. Conscious of this, I wrote a little book, which I entitled _How
to be Happy, Wealthy, and Wise_, and published it at my own expense. I
did not seek for profit. I merely wished to be useful.
"The book did not make the stir that I had anticipated. Some two or
three hundred copies went off, and then the sale practically ceased.
"I confess that at first I was disappointed. But after a while, I
reflected that, if people would not take my advice, it was more their
loss than mine, and I dismissed the matter from my mind.
"One morning, about a twelvemonth afterwards, I was sitting in my study,
when the servant entered to say that there was a man downstairs who
wanted very much to see me.
"I gave instructions that he should be sent up, and up accordingly he
came.
"He was a common man, but he had an open, intelligent countenance, and
his manner was most respectful. I motioned him to be seated. He
selected a chair, and sat down on the extreme edge of it.
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