HOW THEY SUCCEEDED 1: Life Stories of Successful Men Told by Themselves - Orison Swett Marden (1901)

(00:00:00) 1. MARSHALL FIELD
(00:13:34) 2. ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL
(00:29:37) 3. HELEN GOULD
(00:53:56) 4. PHILIP D. ARMOUR
(01:19:04) 5. MARY E. PROCTOR
(01:28:21) 6. PRESIDENT SCHURMAN OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY
(01:38:46) 7. JOHN WANAMAKER
(02:05:39) 8. GIVING UP $5.000 A YEAR TO BECOME SCULPTOR
(02:17:07) 9. BUSINESS POINTERS by DARIUS OGDEN MILLS
(02:27:40) 10. NORDICA - THE QUEEN OF SONG
(02:54:02) 11. WILIAM DEAN HOWELLS

HOW THEY SUCCEEDED: Life Stories of Successful Men Told by Themselves - Part 1 - By Orison Swett Marden (1901) - HQ Full Book.

Orison Swett Marden was a pioneer of self-help and success literature. His focus on perseverance, positive thinking, and personal growth strongly influenced later authors like Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale, Zig Ziglar, and Tony Robbins. These writers carried forward Marden’s core ideas—believing in oneself, taking initiative, and developing character. His impact helped shape not just the self-help genre but also motivational speaking and leadership training for generations to come.

How They Succeeded is an inspiring collection of personal narratives and interviews with some of the most successful figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Compiled and edited by Orison Swett Marden, a key figure in the New Thought Movement and founder of Success Magazine, this book offers rare first-hand accounts of how self-made individuals carved out lives of achievement, often from modest beginnings. The stories are not only motivational but also provide practical insights into the traits, decisions, habits, and philosophies that led these men and women to lasting success.

Rather than presenting abstract theories about success, Marden allows each figure to tell their own story in their own words. This personal touch lends authenticity and relatability to each account. The book encompasses a broad range of fields, from business and literature to science and the arts, showcasing how perseverance, self-discipline, vision, and hard work are universal keys to accomplishment. Each chapter serves as both a biography and a lesson in determination, character, and self-mastery. The stories are designed not to glorify status but to awaken a sense of possibility in the reader—that regardless of origin or obstacle, greatness is achievable.

Chapter Summaries:

Chapter I – Marshall Field
One of the great merchant princes of Chicago, Marshall Field shares how he rose from humble beginnings through determination and a strict commitment to business principles. He speaks of his early resolution “not to remain poor,” his practice of saving and investing in himself, and how he always envisioned becoming a merchant. Field emphasizes operating on a cash basis and building customer trust. The chapter explores how seizing opportunities and focusing on qualities like honesty and self-control made him one of the most respected retailers in America. 

Chapter II – Bell Telephone Talk: Hints on Success by Alexander G. Bell
Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, reflects on his path to innovation. Starting as a night worker, Bell stresses the importance of perseverance and intense focus. He discusses the power of concentrated purpose and dismisses superficial reading as a waste of potential. Bell’s passion for invention shines through in his commitment to “make the world hear.” He touches on the interplay between heredity, environment, and personal effort in shaping success. 

Chapter III – Why the American People Like Helen Gould
Helen Gould, daughter of financier Jay Gould, is portrayed as a woman of character and compassion. Far from resting on inherited wealth, Helen chose a life of service. She supported education, veterans, and numerous charities, often involving herself personally. The chapter outlines her patriotism,