definitely appropriated it, and made it a part of
his own philosophy. The young man is now a Member of Congress, and
an important factor in the present administration. Just before this
book went to the publisher, he wrote me a letter in which he so
clearly stated his opinion of the principle outlined in the next
chapter, that I have chosen to publish his letter as an introduction
to that chapter.
It gives you an idea of the rewards to come.
"My dear Napoleon:
"My service as a Member of Congress having given me an insight
into the problems of men and women, I am writing to offer a suggestion
which may become helpful to thousands of worthy people.
"With apologies, I must state that the suggestion, if acted
upon, will mean several years of labor and responsibility for you,
but I am enheartened to make the suggestion, because I know your
great love for rendering useful service.
"In 1922, you delivered the Commencement address at Salem College,
when I was a member' of the graduating class. In that address, you
planted in my mind an idea which has been responsible for the opportunity
I now have to serve the people of my State, and will be responsible,
in a very large measure, for whatever success I may have in the
future.
"The suggestion I have in mind is, that you put into a book
the sum and substance of the address you delivered at Salem College,
and in that way give the people of America an opportunity to profit
by your many years of experience and association with the men who,
by their greatness, have made America the richest nation on earth.
"I recall, as though it were yesterday, the marvelous description
you gave of the method by which Henry Ford, with but little schooling,
without a dollar, with no influential friends, rose to great heights.
I made up my mind then, even before you had finished your speech,
that I would make a place for myself, no matter how many difficulties
I had to surmount.
"Thousands of young people will finish their schooling this
year, and within the next few years. Every one of them will be seeking
just such a message of practical encouragement as the one I received
from you. They will want to know where to turn, what to do, to get
started in life. You can tell them, because you have helped to solve
the problems of so many, many people.
"If there is any possible way that you can afford to render
so great a service, may I offer the suggestion that you include
with every book, one of your Personal Analysis Charts, in order
that the purchaser of the book may have the benefit of a complete
self-inventory, indicating, as you indicated to me years ago, exactly
what is standing in the way of success.
"Such a service as this, providing the readers of your book
with a complete, unbiased picture of their faults and their virtues,
would mean to them the
difference between success and failure. The service
would be priceless.
"Millions of people are now facing the problem of staging a
comeback, because of the depression, and I speak from personal experience
when I say, I know these earnest people would welcome the opportunity
to tell you their problems, and to receive your suggestions for
the solution.
"You know the problems of those who face the necessity of beginning
all over again. There are thousands of people in America today who
would like to know how they can convert ideas into money, people
who must start at scratch, without finances, and recoup their losses.
If anyone can help them, you can.
"If you publish the book, I would like to own the first copy
that comes from the press, personally autographed by you.
"With best wishes, believe me,
"Cordially yours,
"JENNINGS RANDOLPH"