How to Be Successful

William Bross (1813–1890) was a highly successful American journalist, the copublisher of the Chicago Tribune. In an interview, he discussed his success:

Q. What maxims have had a strong influence on your life and helped to your success?

A. The Proverbs of Solomon and other Scriptures. They were quoted a thousand times by my honored father and caused an effort to do my duty each day, under a constant sense of obligation to my Savior and fellow man.

Q. What do you consider essential elements of success for a young man entering into such a profession as yours?

A. Sterling, unflinching integrity in all matters, public and private. Let everyone do his whole duty, both to God and man. Let him follow earnestly the teachings of the Scriptures and eschew infidelity in all its forms.

Q. What, in your observation, have been the chief causes of the numerous failures in the life of business and professional men?

A. Want of integrity, careless of the truth, reckless in thought and expression, lack of trust in God, and a disregard of the teachings of His Holy Word, bad company, and bad morals in any of their many phases.

Taken from The American Patriot’s Bible