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Excerpt from Self Help; with Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance, by Samuel Smiles

PREFACE.

THIS is a revised edition of a book which has already been received with
considerable favour at home and abroad. It has been reprinted in various
forms in America; translations have appeared in Dutch and French, and
others are about to appear in German and Danish. The book has,
doubtless, proved attractive to readers in different countries by reason
of the variety of anecdotal illustrations of life and character which it
contains, and the interest which all more or less feel in the labours,
the trials, the struggles, and the achievements of others. No one can be
better aware than the author, of its fragmentary character, arising from
the manner in which it was for the most part originally composed,—having
been put together principally from jottings made during many
years,—intended as readings for young men, and without any view to
publication. The appearance of this edition has furnished an opportunity
for pruning the volume of some superfluous matter, and introducing
various new illustrations, which will probably be found of general
interest.

In one respect the title of the book, which it is now too late to alter,
has proved unfortunate, as it has led some, who have judged it merely by
the title, to suppose that it consists of a eulogy of selfishness: the
very opposite of what it really is,—or at least of what the author
intended it to be. Although its chief object unquestionably is to
stimulate youths to apply themselves diligently to right
pursuits,—sparing neither labour, pains, nor self-denial in prosecuting
them,—and to rely upon their own efforts in life, rather than depend upon
the help or patronage of others, it will also be found, from the examples
given of literary and scientific men, artists, inventors, educators,
philanthropists, missionaries, and martyrs, that the duty of helping
one’s self in the highest sense involves the helping of one’s neighbours.

Explanation ​

Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from Self-Help by Samuel Smiles ​

1. Context of the Source ​

Samuel Smiles’ Self-Help; with Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance (1859) is one of the most influential self-improvement books of the 19th century. Written during the Victorian era—a time of rapid industrialization, social change, and moral introspection—the book reflects the era’s emphasis on individual effort, moral discipline, and upward mobility. Smiles, a Scottish author and social reformer, drew from biographies, historical anecdotes, and personal observations to argue that success is not a matter of luck or privilege but of perseverance, hard work, and self-reliance.

The Preface (the excerpt provided) serves as Smiles’ introduction to a revised edition of the book, explaining its reception, purpose, and misconceptions. It also reveals his intellectual and moral framework, clarifying that Self-Help is not a celebration of selfishness but a call to personal responsibility and collective betterment.

2. Themes in the Excerpt ​

Several key themes emerge from this Preface:

A. The Universal Appeal of Struggle and Achievement ​

Smiles notes that the book’s popularity stems from its anecdotal illustrations of "life and character"—stories of people overcoming adversity. He observes that readers across cultures are drawn to narratives of labor, trials, struggles, and achievements, suggesting a universal human fascination with resilience and success.

  • Why this matters: Smiles taps into a fundamental human interest in biographical inspiration, a theme that remains central in modern self-help literature (e.g., Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, Angela Duckworth’s Grit).
  • Implication: The book is not just about individual success but about how ordinary people, through effort, can achieve extraordinary things.

B. The Misunderstood Title: Self-Help ≠ Selfishness ​

Smiles laments that the title Self-Help has led some to assume the book promotes selfishness, when in fact, it advocates the opposite.

  • His clarification:
    • The book encourages self-reliance—urging young people to depend on their own efforts rather than external patronage.
    • However, the highest form of self-help involves helping others. He cites examples of philanthropists, missionaries, and educators to show that personal discipline and success should be channeled toward social good.
  • Victorian moral philosophy: This aligns with the era’s muscular Christianity (a belief in physical and moral strength) and utilitarianism (the idea that individual betterment should serve the greater good).
  • Modern parallel: Similar to today’s debates on individualism vs. collectivism, Smiles argues that true self-improvement is not selfish but socially beneficial.

C. The Book’s Origins: From Personal Notes to Public Influence ​

Smiles reveals that the book was not originally intended for publication but was compiled from "jottings made during many years"—likely lectures or personal reflections for young men.

  • Significance:
    • The fragmentary nature of the book (a collection of anecdotes rather than a structured argument) makes it accessible and practical rather than purely theoretical.
    • Its organic development suggests that Smiles’ ideas were tested in real-life settings (e.g., speeches to young workers) before being formalized.

D. The Role of Labor, Pain, and Self-Denial ​

Smiles emphasizes that success requires:

  • Diligence ("apply themselves diligently to right pursuits")

  • Hard work ("sparing neither labour, pains")

  • Sacrifice ("nor self-denial")

  • Victorian work ethic: This reflects the Protestant work ethic (Max Weber’s concept), where discipline and suffering are virtues leading to moral and material success.

  • Contrast with modern views: Today, self-help often focuses on efficiency, happiness, and work-life balance, whereas Smiles’ approach is more austere, seeing struggle as necessary for growth.

3. Literary Devices and Rhetorical Strategies ​

Smiles employs several techniques to persuade and clarify:

A. Direct Address and Authorial Humility ​

  • "No one can be better aware than the author, of its fragmentary character..."
    • He acknowledges the book’s flaws upfront, making him seem honest and modest, which builds trust with the reader.
  • "The appearance of this edition has furnished an opportunity for pruning..."
    • The metaphor of pruning (cutting away excess) suggests refinement and improvement, reinforcing the book’s theme of self-betterment.

B. Contrast and Correction ​

  • "the very opposite of what it really is—or at least of what the author intended it to be."
    • He contrasts the misconception (selfishness) with the reality (self-help as a path to helping others), using antithesis for emphasis.
  • "Although its chief object unquestionably is to stimulate youths to apply themselves diligently... it will also be found that the duty of helping one’s self in the highest sense involves the helping of one’s neighbours."
    • This balanced argument prevents the book from being dismissed as purely individualistic.

C. Appeal to Authority (Ethos) ​

  • By mentioning translations in Dutch, French, German, and Danish, Smiles establishes the book’s international credibility.
  • Referencing literary, scientific, and philanthropic figures (though not named here) lends moral and intellectual weight to his arguments.

D. Inclusive Language ("All More or Less Feel...") ​

  • "the interest which all more or less feel in the labours, the trials, the struggles, and the achievements of others."
    • The phrase "all more or less" makes the book’s appeal universal, suggesting that everyone, regardless of status, can relate to stories of perseverance.

4. Significance of the Excerpt ​

A. Historical Significance ​

  • Self-Help was immensely influential in the 19th century, shaping education, business culture, and social reform.
  • It reflected Victorian ideals of progress, where individual effort was seen as the engine of societal advancement.
  • It also challenged class barriers, suggesting that merit, not birth, determined success—a radical idea in a hierarchical society.

B. Philosophical Significance ​

  • Smiles’ redefinition of self-help—as both personal and communal—bridges individualism and altruism.
  • His work prefigures modern self-help, but with a stronger moral and social dimension than much of today’s success literature.

C. Modern Relevance ​

  • Debates on privilege vs. effort: Smiles’ emphasis on self-reliance is often cited in discussions about meritocracy and systemic inequality.
  • The "hustle culture" critique: Some argue that Smiles’ ideas ignore structural barriers (poverty, discrimination), while others see them as empowering.
  • The balance between self and society: His argument that true self-help includes helping others remains a counterpoint to hyper-individualism.

5. Key Takeaways from the Text Itself ​

  1. The book’s success is due to its storytelling—people are inspired by real struggles and triumphs.
  2. Self-help is not selfishness; in fact, personal discipline enables greater service to others.
  3. Hard work and self-denial are non-negotiable for meaningful achievement.
  4. The book was practical before it was theoretical—born from real-life advice, not abstract philosophy.
  5. Smiles anticipates and corrects misinterpretations, showing his awareness of how ideas can be distorted.

Final Thought: Why This Preface Matters ​

This Preface is not just an introduction—it’s a defense of Smiles’ moral vision. By clarifying that Self-Help is not about greed but about growth, he positions the book as both a personal guide and a social manual. His words challenge the reader to see self-improvement as a duty not just to oneself, but to the world.

In an age where "self-help" is often associated with narcissism or quick fixes, Smiles’ original intent—a disciplined, ethical, and socially responsible approach to success—remains a powerful counterpoint.