University Of Success Ch 45

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Questions and Answers

What lesson is conveyed regarding opportunities and promises for the future?

Future promises are more valuable than present opportunities.

All opportunities should be regarded as equally valuable.

One should always wait for future promises to materialize.

Present opportunities should be prioritized over uncertain future prospects. (correct)

How did the narrator initially respond to losing his father and mother?

He immediately inherited a substantial estate.

He was able to find care and support from friends. (correct)

He became a hermit and isolated himself from society.

He sought revenge on those he thought had wronged him.

What critical life lesson does the narrator attribute to his experiences with fortune?

Ambition is more important than luck in achieving success.

Fortune is guaranteed to those who are patient.

Fortune is an inevitable outcome of hard work alone.

Fortune must be actively pursued and can easily be lost. (correct)

What factor contributed most to the narrator's descent into despair during his imprisonment?

Loss of his previous wealth and success. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator suggest about the nature of failure?

As long as one is alive, failure has not truly happened. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did the narrator express regarding the people he associated with at the tavern?

They helped him forget and distract himself from his failures. Signup and view all the answers

What comparison does the narrator make to describe the nature of fortune?

Fortune should be treated like a stubborn animal. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction to 'The Magic Story' upon its first publication?

It created an immediate sensation. Signup and view all the answers

What significant item changes Sturtevant's life in the story?

An old scrapbook. Signup and view all the answers

How does the friend describe the appearance of the homemade book?

It was quaint and strange. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the peculiarities of type, spelling, and so forth, are eliminated' imply?

Changes were made to enhance readability. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the overarching messages the narrator wishes to convey?

Knowledge from experience is valuable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the plus-entity and the minus-entity as described in the passage?

The plus-entity is dominant and is associated with strength and ownership. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the Presence have on the narrator after their encounter?

He experienced a rejuvenation and regained his vigor. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean by saying, 'the brain hath lost its power'?

He thinks he lacks the ability to control his thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator describe his past state when he inhabited his body with the Presence?

He characterizes it as lacking harmony, resembling co-tenants. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator intend to do right after he awakens renewed from his encounter with the Presence?

Reclaim his previous life and responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author compare his loss of employment and character to?

A climber losing grip on a mountainside. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term 'Ishmaelite' as used by the author?

Someone who perceives others as hostile. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe his state when he became emaciated?

A struggle between physical and mental anguish. Signup and view all the answers

What did the author experience during his awakening?

A vision of his better self which inspired change. Signup and view all the answers

What did the 'Presence' that the author encountered represent?

His ideal self-exuding confidence and calm. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the author feel shame in the presence of the other being?

Due to the stark contrast between their states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the dream the author had?

It encouraged recognition of his dual identities. Signup and view all the answers

What feeling did the author experience as he followed the Presence?

Reluctance and fear. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Magic Story

The text is taken from The Magic Story by Frederick Van Rensselaer Day.
The story was first published in December 1900 in Success Magazine.
It tells the story of Sturtevant, a down-and-out artist who finds a magic story in an old scrapbook.
Sturtevant reads the story to his friends, who are all inspired by its message.
Part Two of the story contains the entire text of the magic story written on homemade parchment pages.
The story's author, an unnamed individual, describes his own life experiences.

Life Lessons from The Magic Story

Lesson 1: Do not overlook the value of present opportunities, even if they seem insignificant.
Lesson 2: Fortune is elusive and must be actively pursued.
Lesson 3: Failure is not permanent. One can always find a way to rise again.
Lesson 4: Choose to surround oneself with industrious individuals, as idle companions can drain one's energy.
Lesson 5: The Ishmaelite, a person who distrusts and is mistrusted by everyone, is like a leper, carrying a self-inflicted burden.
Lesson 6: Each person possesses two identities, a plus-entity and a minus-entity. One must cleanse oneself of the minus-entity to embrace the plus-entity and achieve success.

A Story of Transformation

The author, once a successful ship's carpenter, faces a series of misfortunes, including a fire destroying his business and imprisonment.
Feeling defeated, he sinks into despair, neglecting his responsibility and becoming a pauper.
In a dream, he encounters his "Better Self," a representation of his plus-entity, who appears healthy and powerful, contrasting with the author's weak and dejected self.
The dream leads to a real-life encounter with the Presence, a tangible version of the Better Self.
The Presence instructs the author, now the minus-entity, to cleanse himself of his negativity, inviting the plus-entity to take over.
Following the encounter, the author experiences a dramatic transformation, filled with newfound vigor and purpose.
He realizes that his previous self is a weak and insignificant minus-entity, while he is now the dominant plus-entity.
Returning to his old workplace, he proves his newfound energy and competence by efficiently completing tasks that previously overwhelmed him.

Key Themes

Self-improvement and personal growth: The story emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing and embracing one's inner strength.
The influence of environment and companionship: The author's encounters with others, both positive and negative, highlight the importance of choosing supportive relationships.
The battle between inner forces: The central conflict lies in the author's struggle between his negative self and his potential for greatness.
The pursuit of success through self-discipline and persistence: The story's message encourages readers to overcome obstacles and strive for achievement through self-improvement.

The Plus Entity

The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the "plus-entity" within oneself.
This "plus-entity" represents the power and potential that resides within each individual.
By acknowledging and harnessing this power, one can achieve success in life.

The Minus Entity

The author warns against the influence of the "minus-entity," which represents fear, doubt, and limitations.
Fear is associated with the "minus-entity" and hinders the potential for success.

Key Principles for Success

Self-belief and action: The text promotes the idea that "whatsoever you desire of good is yours," suggesting that one's desires can be achieved through belief and action.
Dominant power: Recognizing and accessing the "dominant power" within oneself is essential for attaining all desirable things.
Skill and application: Applying skills to benefit the world will also benefit the individual.
Ignoring negativity: One should disregard external influences and distractions that deviate from their path to success.
Seizing opportunity: The author suggests that fortune favors the bold, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative and seizing opportunities.
The power of the "plus-entity": Aligning oneself with the "plus-entity" ensures success and fulfillment.
Constant vigilance: Maintaining a conscious awareness of both the "plus-entity" and the "minus-entity" is crucial to avoid the intrusion of negative forces.

Success as a Recipe

The author presents "success" as a recipe that is guaranteed to work if followed diligently.
The text aims to empower individuals by providing a framework for self-discovery and achieving their full potential.

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