An Old Testament story tells how a Hebrew king prayed for a new hold upon life and how his prayer resulted in the turning of the shadow upon the dial. That invisible hand which turned the shadow upon the dial of the days of a king waits ever to preserve the lives of the members of the race. The One, however, who heard the prayer of Hezekiah was the same One who established the laws of life and nature. Obedience to those laws is still the key by which the very years may be swung backward in their flight. Some Principles of Efficiency (1917) These are the days when the doing of things in the best and quickest way, and the living of one’s life to the greatest possible purpose, are among the livest of issues. The absorbing question is that of really getting on. One has but one chance at this life, and he has a right to make that one effort the best possible. _The Personal Attitude for Right Living._ 1. Preserve calmness and steadiness. Victory over material things is but a passing honor for the one who has failed to conquer himself. The secret of many a success is coolness and self-possession. The person who has the consciousness that he is right can look the world in the face unflinchingly. 2. Avoid selfishness as you would a most dangerous enemy. The first personal pronoun is a dangerous word. No one else cares to help the person who tries to help no one but himself. The world has its heroes, but they are those whose chief concern has been for their people. 3. Have a mind of your own, and use it. Many a failure has been excused with the words: “I didn’t think.” However, it is our business to think, and to act on right judgments. Man is he who thinks, and the most successful man is he who thinks most promptly and accurately. 4. Do not get the idea that your mind is the only one. Others are thinking also, and some of these persons may be more nearly right than yourself. One must at least give others credit for having opinions. Listen to all, and accept only that which seems to bear the test of truth. 5. Strive to be right about things. Investigate until you are clear in your conclusions. When you are clear, let nothing but additional light change your course. Stay with the right, though all the rest of the world disagree with you. If you find that your position was wrong, forsake it immediately. 6. Do not judge yourself by others, nor your work by theirs. The only proper standard is rightness. It is a poor thing to be in fashion if the fashion is wrong. 7. Try to understand other people. Think of others sympathetically, and give them credit for everything you can. _Your Personal Resources._