PIECES OF ADVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 October 1938, Page 6

PIECES OF ADVICE

FROM SOME GREAT MEN. What do you think of these pieces of advice that have been given by some of the world’s greatest men? Addressing a gathering of young men George Stephenson said as his chief advice, “Persevere!!”, and much the same advice was given in a speech by Disraeli when he declared that “The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” The Duke of Wellington gave this excellent advice to an ambitious young speaker, who hoped to make his name in the. House of Commons: “Don’t quote Latin. Say what you have to say and then sit down!” How often we have wished that some well-meaning speaker would follow the great Duke’s advice!

Here is an interesting piece of advice to would-be journalists. The famous essayist, R. W. Emerson, advised young writers: "Take notes on the spot: a note is worth a cart-load of recollections.”

An interesting topic for debate, considering how vivid a record personal impressions can retain. Yet there is much in what Emerson says; and here is an excellent piece of advice to all writers.

A woman playwright once told Dr Johnson that she had no time to revise her latest play properly as she had “too many irons .in the fire.” Whereupon the learned doctor promptly advised her; “Then put your tragedy where your irons are.” .