How They Succeeded - 6. PRESIDENT SCHURMAN OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY - Life Stories of Successful Men - Orison Swett Marden (1901)

How They Succeeded - 6. PRESIDENT SCHURMAN OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY - Life Stories of Successful Men - Orison Swett Marden (1901) - HQ Full Books."How They Succeeded – Chapter 6: President Schurman of Cornell University" is a compelling biographical sketch by Orison Swett Marden that captures the remarkable journey of Jacob Gould Schurman, the then-president of Cornell University. The chapter is part of Marden’s 1901 classic, How They Succeeded, a collection of success stories meant to inspire readers with real-life examples of determination, discipline, and purposeful living. In this chapter, Marden turns his attention to the world of academia, exploring how intellect, character, and vision combined to shape one of the most respected educational leaders of his time. From the outset, Marden presents President Schurman as a man whose success is not the result of privilege or chance, but of relentless self-discipline, mental vigor, and moral conviction. Schurman’s rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of academic leadership is framed as a triumph of personal will and intellectual aspiration. He is portrayed not just as a scholar or administrator, but as a man of principle and foresight, deeply committed to the growth and development of young minds. Born in Prince Edward Island, Canada, Schurman came from modest circumstances. Marden emphasizes how Schurman had to work his way through life, laboring on farms and taking odd jobs to finance his education. This element of the story aligns with Marden’s overarching theme throughout How They Succeeded: that true success often grows out of hardship, and that adversity, when met with the right attitude, can become a catalyst for greatness. The narrative draws strength from Schurman’s unshakable belief in self-improvement and education. Even in his youth, Schurman displayed a thirst for knowledge and a strong inner drive to rise above his circumstances. He pursued his studies with intensity and purpose, attending Acadia College in Nova Scotia before eventually earning scholarships that allowed him to study in Europe, including in London and Edinburgh. He later went to Germany, immersing himself in the intellectual rigor of European scholarship. This commitment to learning is a central theme of the chapter. Schurman is shown not only as a recipient of education but also as someone who valued its transformative power. His scholarly pursuits were not merely academic—they were a mission. He believed that education could elevate the individual, purify society, and strengthen a nation. When he eventually became president of Cornell University, it was this deep-seated belief in the nobility of education that informed his leadership. Marden presents Schurman as a model of moral and intellectual integrity. He refused to compromise on values, even when doing so might have made his path easier. Throughout the chapter, Marden highlights Schurman’s clarity of purpose, his dedication to truth, and his ability to stay grounded despite his rising influence. These qualities, Marden suggests, are not incidental—they are the foundation of Schurman’s success. As an academic leader, Schurman is portrayed as progressive and visionary. He championed modern curricula, believed in co-education, and encouraged the growth of both scientific and classical studies. Marden admires how Schurman balanced tradition and innovation—honoring the past while preparing students for the future. He also emphasizes the president’s skill in administration, his ability to attract funding and talent, and his talent for public speaking and diplomacy. What makes this chapter especially powerful is the conversation-like structure between Marden and Schurman. The narrative reads less like a distant biography and more like a thoughtful interview, where the subject openly shares the lessons he’s learned from life. Through this format, Marden gives readers direct access to Schurman’s mind—his thoughts on success, character, discipline, and the purpose of education. Schurman’s own philosophy of success, as presented in the chapter, is strikingly modern and humane. He does not equate success with wealth or fame but sees it as the full development of one’s faculties and the faithful pursuit of one’s calling. He urges young people to cultivate a deep sense of responsibility, to think independently, and to contribute positively to society. He is especially concerned with moral character, insisting that honesty, perseverance, and humility are as essential to true success as intelligence or ambition. The chapter also reflects Marden’s belief in the power of mentors and role models. He holds up Schurman as an example not merely for students, but for anyone seeking a purposeful life. Marden writes not just to recount the facts of Schurman’s life but to extract principles and guidance for readers to apply to their own journeys. He wants readers to see in Schurman a living testimony to what can be achieved through hard work, integrity, and faith in one’s ideals. Stylistically, Marden’s prose is elegant yet accessible, filled with a quiet reverence for the subject. He writes with admiration but not flattery, seeking instead to reveal the inner workings of a mind shaped by challenge and driven by vision. His tone is both respectful and invigorating, drawing the reader into the moral seriousness and intellectual depth of Schurman’s world. As the chapter concludes, Marden leaves readers with a sense of both inspiration and challenge. Schurman’s story is meant to uplift, but also to call forth effort. It suggests that greatness is not born, but made—through daily habits, ethical living, and a tireless quest for improvement. The reader is encouraged not just to admire President Schurman but to emulate his courage, discipline, and devotion to service. In sum, Chapter 6 of How They Succeeded is more than just a portrait of a university president—it is a moral and intellectual blueprint for success. Orison Swett Marden uses the life of Jacob Gould Schurman to show that the highest forms of achievement are grounded in character, vision, and an unwavering commitment to something greater than oneself. Through this story, Marden continues his lifelong mission: to awaken the latent greatness in every reader and to remind us that, with perseverance and purpose, success is within reach for all.    SuccessStories OrisonSwettMarden BiographicalAccounts InspirationalLiterature PersonalDevelopment AchievingGreatness MotivationalReads OvercomingAdversity Resilience PositiveMindset Triumph&Perseverance Self-HelpClassics LessonsfromSuccessfulMen UnyieldingDedication HistoricalFigures AmbitionandHardWork AmbitionandDetermination HumanPotential PathtoSuccess EmpoweringNarratives