How They Succeeded - 1. MARSHALL FIELD - Life Stories of Successful Men - Orison Swett Marden (1901)

How They Succeeded - 1. MARSHALL FIELD - Life Stories of Successful Men - Orison Swett Marden (1901) - HQ Full Book. "How They Succeeded – 1. Marshall Field" is the compelling opening chapter of Orison Swett Marden’s classic motivational work How They Succeeded, a collection of interviews and biographical sketches of America’s most successful business figures and public men at the turn of the 20th century. In this first chapter, Marden presents the life and principles of Marshall Field, the legendary Chicago merchant and founder of the iconic Marshall Field and Company department store. Marden’s portrayal of Field is not a typical biography. Rather than simply chronicling events, Marden captures the spirit, discipline, and values that shaped Field’s rise from a modest farm boy in Massachusetts to one of the wealthiest and most respected businessmen of his time. Through a combination of narrative and direct quotes from Field, the chapter becomes both an inspirational profile and a practical guide to personal success. At the heart of this chapter lies Field’s unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and customer service—principles that would become hallmarks of his business philosophy and lasting legacy. Marden emphasizes that Field did not come from privilege. Born in 1834 in Conway, Massachusetts, he started his career humbly as a clerk in a local dry goods store, earning just a few dollars a week. Yet from the beginning, Field demonstrated extraordinary diligence, patience, and a thirst for learning. Field’s work ethic was legendary. Marden highlights how Field’s early years were marked by an eagerness to master the fundamentals of business. He learned by doing—by observing his superiors, studying customer behavior, and paying attention to the smallest details. One of the defining aspects of his success, Marden suggests, was Field’s refusal to be mediocre. Whether sweeping the floors or managing inventory, he insisted on doing every task with care and excellence. This attitude laid the groundwork for his future achievements. In an era when many sought quick fortune, Field stood apart for his long-term vision and unshakable moral compass. Marden makes it clear that Field never believed in cutting corners or compromising his ethics to get ahead. In fact, Field famously declared, “The customer is always right”— a phrase that would become an enduring business mantra. His emphasis on fairness, trustworthiness, and honest dealing created a retail empire built on loyalty and respect. Marden explores Field’s move to Chicago in the 1850s, a pivotal moment that opened new opportunities and challenges. At the time, Chicago was rapidly growing but still rough and unrefined. Field saw its potential. He joined Cooley, Wadsworth & Co., and through hard work and shrewd judgment, rose through the ranks. Eventually, he partnered with Levi Leiter to form Field, Leiter & Co., which would later become Marshall Field & Co.What distinguished Field from other merchants, Marden writes, was his belief in treating retail as a refined and elevated profession. He envisioned his department store not as a place merely to sell goods but as an institution that cultivated trust, taste, and culture. His stores were meticulously organized, immaculately clean, and staffed by well-trained clerks who shared his high standards. In an age when bargaining was the norm, Field introduced fixed prices—a radical move that instilled transparency and fairness into the retail process. One of the most inspiring aspects of this chapter is Marden’s depiction of Field’s quiet leadership. He was not a flamboyant or loud figure; rather, he led by example—through quiet discipline, intellectual rigor, and emotional restraint. He rarely sought publicity or indulged in self-promotion. Instead, he focused on building something lasting and valuable. This calm, steady approach to leadership left a deep impression on his employees and peers, many of whom viewed him with reverence. Marden also explores Field’s philanthropy and civic engagement. As his wealth grew, so did his commitment to giving back. He donated generously to public institutions, including the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, which still bears his name. Yet even in his giving, Field was discreet, preferring substance over show. Marden underscores how Field’s life exemplified the ideal of the public-spirited capitalist—a man who saw his wealth as a trust to be used for the common good. Throughout the chapter, Marden draws out timeless lessons from Field’s life. Perseverance, self-reliance, and a deep sense of responsibility emerge as central themes. He urges readers to understand that Field’s success was not due to luck or inheritance, but to years of focused effort, ethical behavior, and personal discipline. Marden clearly aims to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and professionals to emulate these virtues. The language of the chapter is elegant yet accessible, in keeping with Marden’s characteristic style. He avoids dry recitation and instead uses vivid imagery and engaging storytelling to bring Field’s journey to life. His admiration for Field is evident, but it never crosses into hagiography. Rather, Marden presents Field as a model to be studied and learned from, not worshipped. Another valuable element of this chapter is Marden’s interview-based approach. His direct quotes from Field give readers firsthand insight into the man’s mindset and values. These moments are particularly impactful because they humanize Field and demystify success. For instance, Field speaks candidly about the value of patience, the dangers of speculation, and the importance of serving others. His words are grounded in reality, not abstraction. By placing Marshall Field as the opening chapter in How They Succeeded, Marden sets the tone for the rest of the book. Field represents the ideal blend of business acumen and ethical character, someone who achieved great wealth without sacrificing principle. In doing so, Marden challenges the reader to rethink what it means to be truly successful. In summary, "How They Succeeded – Marshall Field" is more than a biographical sketch; it is a powerful meditation on the values that lead to enduring success. Through Field’s story, Marden conveys a profound message: that true greatness is not just about making money, but about building something of lasting worth through honesty, service, and integrity. Even over a century after its publication, the wisdom in these pages remains deeply relevant for anyone striving to succeed not just in business, but in life.    SuccessStories OrisonSwettMarden BiographicalAccounts InspirationalLiterature PersonalDevelopment AchievingGreatness MotivationalReads OvercomingAdversity Resilience PositiveMindset Triumph&Perseverance Self-HelpClassics LessonsfromSuccessfulMen UnyieldingDedication HistoricalFigures AmbitionandHardWork AmbitionandDetermination HumanPotential PathtoSuccess EmpoweringNarratives