Page:The mastery of destiny (IA masteryofdestiny00alle).pdf/76

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
60
The Mastery of Destiny

existent, then he begins to pay careful attention to those things which he formerly regarded as insignificant. He thus acquires the quality of thoroughness, and becomes a man of usefulness and influence; for the possession or non-possession of this one quality may mean all the difference between a life of peace and power, and one of misery and weakness.

Every employer of labour knows how comparatively rare this quality is— how difficult it is to find men and women who will put thought and energy into their work, and do it completely and satisfactorily. Bad workmanship abounds. Skill and excellence are acquired by few. Thoughtlessness, carelessness, and laziness are such common vices that it should cease to appear strange that, in spite of “social reform,”