Hidden Treasures

In Short

Hidden Treasures by Harry A. Lewis is a motivational book that explores the principles of success through the biographies of prominent American figures. The book argues that success is not solely determined by luck but by qualities like perseverance, integrity, and hard work. Lewis profiles individuals such as Jay Gould, P. T. Barnum, Mathew Vassar, and Abraham Lincoln, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. Each biography serves as a lesson in self-reliance, determination, and the importance of moral character. The book encourages readers to emulate these traits, emphasizing that success is within reach for those who apply themselves diligently and adhere to ethical principles.

The Story

Hidden Treasures by Harry A. Lewis is a collection of biographical sketches that aim to uncover the principles of success through the lives of notable American figures. Lewis begins by asserting that success is not a matter of chance but a result of specific qualities and habits. He uses the stories of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to achieve greatness as evidence of this claim.

The book opens with a discussion of Jay Gould, a financier who started with little but amassed a fortune through strategic investments and business acumen. Lewis highlights Gould's ability to recognize opportunities and his relentless pursuit of success, despite facing criticism and adversity. Gould's story serves as an example of how perseverance and intelligence can lead to financial success.

Lewis then turns to P. T. Barnum, the famous showman, whose life illustrates the importance of creativity, risk-taking, and adaptability. Barnum's ability to turn failures into learning experiences and his unwavering optimism are presented as key factors in his success. Despite facing bankruptcy and personal setbacks, Barnum's resilience allowed him to rebuild his fortune and leave a lasting legacy.

Mathew Vassar, the founder of Vassar College, is profiled as an example of how philanthropy and vision can lead to enduring impact. Vassar's dedication to education and his willingness to invest in the future of others demonstrate the power of generosity and foresight.

The book also features Moses Taylor, a banker who started as a clerk and rose to become one of the wealthiest men in America. Taylor's story emphasizes the importance of integrity, hard work, and financial prudence. His contributions to the banking industry and his philanthropic efforts underscore the idea that success should be accompanied by a commitment to the greater good.

Lewis includes the stories of historical figures like Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, highlighting their roles in shaping the United States and their personal struggles. These biographies serve as reminders of the challenges faced by the nation's founders and the qualities that enabled them to overcome them.

The book also profiles industrialists like Eli Whitney and Robert Fulton, whose inventions revolutionized industries and contributed to America's economic growth. Their stories illustrate the importance of innovation and the impact of technological advancements on society.

Lewis concludes with the biographies of more recent figures, such as James G. Blaine and Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing their leadership, moral character, and dedication to public service. Lincoln's rise from poverty to the presidency is presented as a testament to the power of self-education, perseverance, and a strong sense of purpose.

Throughout the book, Lewis weaves together these stories to demonstrate that success is achievable for anyone willing to work hard, maintain integrity, and remain focused on their goals. He encourages readers to learn from these examples and apply the lessons to their own lives.

How It Unfolds

Introduction to Success Principles: Lewis introduces the idea that success is not based on luck but on specific qualities and habits. Jay Gould's Financial Acumen: Gould's strategic investments and business acumen are highlighted as keys to his success. P. T. Barnum's Resilience: Barnum's ability to turn failures into learning experiences and his optimism are presented as essential traits. Mathew Vassar's Philanthropy: Vassar's dedication to education and his vision for the future demonstrate the impact of generosity. Moses Taylor's Integrity: Taylor's rise from clerk to banker emphasizes the importance of integrity and hard work. Historical Figures: The stories of Hamilton, Adams, and Jefferson illustrate the challenges and qualities of the nation's founders. Industrial Innovators: Whitney and Fulton's inventions showcase the importance of innovation and technological advancement. Leadership and Public Service: The biographies of Blaine and Lincoln highlight leadership, moral character, and dedication to public service. Conclusion and Encouragement: Lewis concludes by encouraging readers to apply the lessons from these biographies to their own lives.

The People

Jay Gould: A financier who rose from humble beginnings to amass a fortune through strategic investments and business acumen. P. T. Barnum: A showman whose creativity, risk-taking, and resilience allowed him to overcome failures and achieve success. Mathew Vassar: The founder of Vassar College, whose philanthropy and vision for education left a lasting impact. Moses Taylor: A banker who started as a clerk and rose to become one of the wealthiest men in America, emphasizing integrity and hard work. Alexander Hamilton: One of the founding fathers of the United States, whose leadership and financial acumen shaped the nation's early government. John Adams: The second president of the United States, whose dedication to public service and moral character are highlighted. Thomas Jefferson: The third president of the United States, whose vision for democracy and education are emphasized. Eli Whitney: An inventor whose cotton gin revolutionized the textile industry and contributed to America's economic growth. Robert Fulton: An inventor whose steamboat transformed transportation and commerce. James G. Blaine: A politician whose leadership and public service are presented as examples of dedication to the greater good. Abraham Lincoln: The sixteenth president of the United States, whose rise from poverty to the presidency illustrates the power of self-education and perseverance.

In Its Own Voice

On Jay Gould's Strategic Investments:

"Mr. Gould bought up all the stock he could find, and threw his whole ability and experience into the development of the same. The stock soon took an upward move, and when it reached 120 he sold his twenty-five thousand shares."

On P. T. Barnum's Resilience:

"In 1857 it was heralded all over the land that Barnum had failed. It was so; unfortunate speculations had swamped him, and he returned to New York a bankrupt. Without a dollar he bought the Museum again, and in less than a year he succeeded in paying for it."

On Mathew Vassar's Vision:

"Vassar College, five hundred feet long and five stories high, is a monument of which any man might be proud. The founder, Mathew Vassar, was born in England in 1792, and four years later landed in America, settling in Poughkeepsie, on a farm with his parents."

On Moses Taylor's Integrity:

"What a pleasure it is to read the lives of such men as Moses Taylor. He began life as a clerk and died worth $50,000,000; but it is not alone for his wealth that we take such an interest in Moses Taylor, but the good he did with it, and the example he set moneyed men."

On Abraham Lincoln's Perseverance:

"Scarcely a boy in the country will read these lines but has tenfold the opportunity to succeed in the world as had Abraham Lincoln. When he was still a little boy his parents moved to Indiana, which was then a wilderness. Here, in a log cabin, he learned to read under the tuition of his mother and afterward received nearly a year's schooling at another log cabin a mile away,--nearly a year's schooling and all the schooling he ever received from a tutor!"

What It's Really About

Hidden Treasures is fundamentally about the principles of success and the qualities that enable individuals to achieve greatness. Lewis argues that success is not a matter of luck but the result of specific traits such as perseverance, integrity, hard work, and vision. The book explores how these qualities manifest in the lives of various historical figures, from financiers and industrialists to politicians and philanthropists. Lewis emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, moral character, and a strong work ethic, suggesting that these are the keys to overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals. The book also highlights the impact of innovation and philanthropy on society, encouraging readers to contribute to the greater good while pursuing their own success. Ultimately, Hidden Treasures is a call to action, urging readers to learn from the examples of successful individuals and apply these lessons to their own lives.

Why Read It Today

Hidden Treasures offers timeless lessons on success and personal development that remain relevant in today's fast-paced and competitive world. Readers who are interested in self-improvement, entrepreneurship, or history will find the book's biographical approach engaging and inspiring. Lewis's emphasis on qualities like perseverance, integrity, and hard work resonates with contemporary values, making the book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to achieve their goals. While the language and some of the examples reflect the late 19th-century context in which the book was written, the core principles it espouses are universal and applicable to modern life. The book's concise and accessible style makes it an easy read, and its focus on real-life success stories provides practical insights that can be applied to various aspects of life. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone looking for motivation, Hidden Treasures offers a wealth of inspiration and guidance.