This was the title of a book authored by P.T. Barnum. Yes the circus promoter. There are several gems in that book, the most popular being “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” However my favorite Barnum quote is:
“Unless a man enters upon the vocation intended for him by nature, and best suited to his peculiar genius, he cannot succeed.”
This concept has been repeated by many over the course of a few hundred years. Every successful self help guru has made a study of P.T. Barnum as he is probably one of the greatest rags to riches stories ever told. In thinking about this quote there are few considerations. First, do I actually believe that P.T. Barnum was correct in this statement?
If so, then there is a call to action inherent. It is a call to action that every man (and woman) is afraid of. It is the greatest risk. We have to lean upon our own peculiar genius, and trust that there was a path intended for us (by Nature and God) to do. That takes great faith, that takes confidence, that takes a willingness to accept weakness and failure. All of these are traits exhibited quite profoundly by P.T. Barnum. I guess he was one of the few in the course of human history that can actually make this sort of statement.
So what is your peculiar genius? According to Mr. Barnum we all have one. We have an obligation, if we want success, to find a vocation that is suited to that genius.
I will have to think on this concept a little more. Adding that to my 365 List today.
Guy Reams
365 Member
