Chapter I: Introduction

If you are the sort of a boy who is afraid of becoming dissatisfied with his present outlook on life and vision of possibilities for the future, you had better not read this book.

In fact, there are just two classes of boys who should be permitted to read these fascinating pages.

The ambitious boys are in one class; those who are determined to make their lives count. That type of boy will be helped toward finding the best outlet for his services. He will learn of fields of investment for his life work which have brought rich returns to other boys. His vision will be broadened, his objective made higher.

The other class of boy who should read this book is that in whom the fires of ambition have not yet been kindled; he who is living on the dead level of life, just "groping to and fro". This type of boy will be inspired to tackle the climbing life when he learns of the handicaps which other boys have overcome and of the great goals they have won. The following lines from the story of Edward Bok, the little Dutch boy, is descriptive of general conditions: "When he got out into the world, he was astonished to find how many of his young friends believed that the only way to get on was through favouritism. That was not his experience. He found that if a young man were willing to work and do his very best, the way to success was wide and it was not overpeopled. He was astonished to find how many young men there were who were not doing their best or anything like it. He did all that was expected of him and a little more."

As boys, we resent "being nagged at". We rebel, and our souls shrivel up when Dad, Mother, Teacher or some interested friend starts to point out our weaknesses. On the other hand, how it stirs our blood and thrills us as we read of some fellow who has played the game of life against fearful odds and has come through with a crowning achievement!

Some one has said, "He can who thinks he can." No boy can read these "Stories of Grit" without believing more firmly in his ability to succeed.

When the grind comes and we are ready to give up the struggle, the inspiration from these "boys who overcame" will send us both to our little difficulties with an enthusiasm which knows no defeat.

I have talked with boys who have said "Latin has me licked", and they were ready to throw over the possibilities of a college course and a chosen profession because of the Latin in the Matriculation Examination. Give any boy one hour with these "Stories of Grit", and I guarantee that it will stiffen his backbone and give him a punch so effective that he will be able to "lick his weight in wildcats".

TAYLOR STATTEN.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I. The Blind Boy who Became Poet, Preacher and Author

II. How a Lame Boy Became the World's Greatest Potter

III. The Dutch Boy who Became a Great Editor

IV. A Deaf Boy who Became a Great Bible Scholar

V. The Slave Boy who Became a Great Leader

VI. The Immigrant Lad who Became a King of Industry

VII. A Shoemaker's Apprentice who Became a Great Scholar

VIII. From Gipsy Tent to Pulpit

IX. A Blind Man who Became Postmaster-General of England

X. The Ploughboy who Became a Famous Naturalist

XI. A Sick Man who Never Gave Up

XII. How a Poor Boy Became a Great Scientist

XIII. What an Illiterate Boy Made of His Life

XIV. A Donkey Boy who Became a Famous Sculptor

STORIES OF GRIT