University Of Success Ch 31

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Questions and Answers

What does the text suggest about the nature of personal success?

Personal success is purely determined by one’s talent and skills.

Personal success is achievable without any external help.

Personal success is primarily a result of individual effort.

Personal success often relies on the support and assistance of others. (correct)

Which character is referenced in the text to illustrate the importance of companionship?

Robinson Crusoe (correct)

An unnamed police officer

Two-Gun Crowley

Dale Carnegie

What negative behavior is discussed in the text that can harm relationships?

Avoiding confrontation with others

Being overly friendly

Making offensive judgments and criticisms (correct)

Offering constructive criticism

What significant event does the text describe involving 'Two-Gun' Crowley?

A sensational manhunt and standoff with police. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text perceive the concept of being 'self-made'?

It is a myth that promotes individualism. Signup and view all the answers

What was Lincoln's main concern about Meade's decision regarding Lee's escape?

Meade's hesitation might prolong the war. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lincoln ultimately decide not to send the letter to Meade?

He feared it would hurt Meade's morale and effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did the author imply from Lincoln's approach to criticism?

Sharp criticism often leads to negative outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What was Lincoln's initial reaction to Meade's actions after the battle?

He expressed anger and disappointment. Signup and view all the answers

How did the author reflect upon the experience with Richard Harding Davis?

The author learned the importance of politeness. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'Two-Gun' Crowley's perception of himself despite his criminal actions?

He believed he was misunderstood and kind-hearted. Signup and view all the answers

What common attitude did criminals like Crowley and Capone share regarding their actions?

They believed they were serving the community. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mulrooney describe Crowley as being capable of?

Killing at the slightest provocation. Signup and view all the answers

What was John Wanamaker's perspective on criticizing others?

It is often futile and can lead to defensiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did Theodore Roosevelt's criticism of Taft contribute to?

The election of Woodrow Wilson. Signup and view all the answers

How did Taft respond to Roosevelt's criticism?

He claimed he acted correctly and could not have done differently. Signup and view all the answers

What rationalization method did criminals in Sing Sing commonly use?

They believed their actions were justified. Signup and view all the answers

Who received a loan of one hundred thousand dollars from Edward L. Doheny?

Secretary Fall Signup and view all the answers

What action did Secretary Fall take against the competitors of Doheny?

He ordered them to leave the area. Signup and view all the answers

What did Lincoln avoid doing after his duel experience?

Writing insulting letters Signup and view all the answers

How did Lincoln respond when his wife and others criticized the Southern people?

He defended them. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase summarizes Lincoln's approach to dealing with criticism?

Judge not, that ye be not judged Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the duel Lincoln faced?

The duel was stopped at the last minute. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the public reaction to the Teapot Dome scandal?

It ruined the Harding administration Signup and view all the answers

What critical advice did Secretary of War Stanton give when Lincoln was dying?

He was the best ruler of men Signup and view all the answers

Which general was ordered by Lincoln to attack Lee after the Battle of Gettysburg?

General Meade Signup and view all the answers

What major lesson did Lincoln learn from his experiences in personal conflict?

Criticism often leads to conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Value of Human Interaction

Success is attributed to help and encouragement from others.
Friendship and support are crucial for achieving success.
The text uses the example of Robinson Crusoe finding Friday to illustrate the value of companionship.

Negative Impacts of Criticism

Criticism can create enemies and hinder your progress.
It can lead to resentment and fuel the "will to fail."
The text highlights the importance of choosing your words carefully to avoid creating unnecessary conflicts.

Justifying Criminal Behavior

Criminals often don't hold themselves accountable for their actions.
They justify their behavior through rationalization.
They often blame others or see themselves as victims of circumstance.

The Futility of Criticism

Criticism often makes people defensive and unwilling to accept responsibility.
It can damage relationships and create resentment.
The text refers to historical examples like Theodore Roosevelt and Taft's feud and the Teapot Dome scandal.

Lincoln's Approach to Dealing with People

Lincoln learned to avoid criticizing others, particularly after a duel with James Shields.
He practiced empathy and understanding, even when dealing with incompetent generals during the Civil War.
He believed that judging others could lead to being judged in return.

The Power of Self-Reflection and Improvement

The text encourages readers to focus on improving themselves before trying to change others.
It highlights the importance of self-awareness and introspection.
The text quotes Confucius, "Don't complain about the snow on your neighbor's roof, when your own doorstep is unclean."

The Importance of Etiquette

The author shares a personal anecdote about a letter he wrote to Richard Harding Davis, demonstrating the importance of proper etiquette in communication.
The text emphasises the dangers of stingy criticism and its long-lasting effects.
It encourages readers to be mindful of other people's emotions and motivations, recognizing that they are not always logical.

Criticism and its Effects

Criticism can be detrimental, likened to a spark igniting pride, leading to disastrous consequences.
General Leonard Wood’s exclusion from the army to France due to criticism possibly shortened his life.
Thomas Hardy, a renowned novelist, was driven to abandon fiction writing after facing harsh criticism.
The poet Thomas Chatterton tragically took his own life due to criticism.

The Power of Understanding

Benjamin Franklin's journey from tactlessness to diplomacy underscores the importance of understanding and speaking well of others. His secret to success: "I will speak ill of no man, … and speak all the good I know of everybody."
It requires character and self-control to show understanding and forgiveness, rather than simply criticizing.
Thomas Carlyle highlights that greatness is defined by how one treats others, especially those perceived as lesser.

Embracing Understanding and Forgiving

Instead of focusing on condemnation, we should seek to understand people's actions and motivations.
Understanding fosters a sense of empathy, tolerance, and kindness.
The saying "To know all is to forgive all" reflects the value of understanding in achieving forgiveness.
Dr. Johnson's statement echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that God delays judgment until the end of a person's life.

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Description

Explore the intricate dynamics of human relationships and the impact of criticism through this quiz. We discuss the significance of support, the dangers of negative feedback, the rationalizations of criminals, and the futility of criticism. Test your understanding of these powerful concepts.