from--a business man must adapt himself to the natural conditions as
they exist from month to month and year to year. Sometimes I feel that
we Americans think we can find a short road to success, and it may
appear that often this feat is accomplished; but real efficiency in
work comes from knowing your facts and building upon that sure
foundation.

Many men of wealth do not retire from business even when they can.
They are not willing to be idle, or they have a just pride in their
work and want to perfect the plans in which they have faith, or, what
is of still more consequence, they may feel the call to expand and
build up for the benefit of their employees and associates, and these
men are the great builders up in our country. Consider for a moment
how much would have been left undone if our prosperous American
business men had sat down with folded hands when they had acquired a
competency. I have respect for all these reasons, but if a man has
succeeded, he has brought upon himself corresponding responsibilities,
and our institutions devoted to helping men to help themselves need
the brain of the American business man as well as part of his money.

Some of these men, however, are so absorbed in their business affairs
that they hardly have time to think of anything else. If they do
interest themselves in a work outside of their own office and
undertake to raise money, they begin with an apology, as if they are
ashamed of themselves.

"I am no beggar," I have heard many of them say, to which I could only
reply: "I am sorry you feel that way about it."

I have been this sort of beggar all my life and the experiences I have