important than that which he thought. Edison, himself,
said so! It could not have been the young man's appearance which
got him his start in the Edison office, for that was definitely
against him. It was what he THOUGHT that counted.
If the significance of this statement could be conveyed to every
person who reads it, there would be no need for the remainder of
this book.
Barnes did not get his partnership with Edison on his first interview.
He did get a chance to work in the Edison offices, at a very nominal
wage, doing work that was unimportant to Edison, but most important
to Barnes, because it gave him an opportunity to display his "merchandise"
where his intended "partner" could see it.
Months went by. Apparently nothing happened to bring the coveted
goal which Barnes had set up in his mind as his DEFINITE MAJOR PURPOSE.
But something important was happening in Barnes' mind. He was constantly
intensifying his DESIRE to become the business associate of Edison.
Psychologists have correctly said that "when one is truly ready
for a thing, it puts in its appearance."
Barnes was ready for a business association with Edison, moreover,
he was DETERMINED TO REMAIN READY UNTIL HE GOT THAT WHICH HE WAS
SEEKING.
He did not say to himself, "Ah well, what's the use? I guess
I'll change my mind and try for a salesman's job." But, he
did say, "I came here to go into business with Edison, and
I'll accomplish this end if it takes the remainder of my life."
He meant it! What a different story men would have to tell if only
they would adopt a DEFINITE PURPOSE, and stand by that purpose until
it had time to become an all-consuming obsession!
Maybe young Barnes did not know it at the time, but his bulldog
determination, his persistence in standing back of a single DESIRE,
was destined to mow down all opposition, and bring him the opportunity
he was seeking.
When the opportunity came, it appeared in a different form, and
from a different direction than Barnes had expected. That is one
of the tricks of opportunity. It has a sly habit of slipping in
by the back door, and often it comes disguised in the form of misfortune,
or temporary defeat. Perhaps this is why so many fail to recognize
opportunity.
Mr. Edison had just perfected a new office device, known at that
time, as the Edison Dictating Machine (now the Ediphone). His salesmen
were not enthusiastic over the machine. They did not believe it
could be sold without great effort. Barnes saw his opportunity.
It had crawled in quietly, hidden in a queer looking machine which
interested no one but Barnes and the inventor.
Barnes knew he could sell the Edison Dictating Machine. He suggested
this to Edison, and promptly got his chance. He did sell the machine.
In fact, he sold it