
A FOREWORD
PRELUDE
I IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD “DO THE NEXT THING”
II IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD ADJUST MYSELF
III IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD TAKE CARE OF MY BODY
IV IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD TRAIN MY MIND
V IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD BE HAPPY
VI IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD GET MARRIED
VII IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD SAVE MONEY
VIII IF I WERE TWENTY-ONE I WOULD STUDY THE ART OF PLEASING
A seasoned voice, once a preacher and now a columnist, reaches out across the decades to speak directly to anyone standing at the brink of adulthood. In a warm, conversational tone he admits the missteps and triumphs of his own life, offering a candid roadmap from a perspective that blends practical experience with straightforward philosophy. He frames his advice as ten concise points, each meant to be as memorable as the ten fingers we use to count them.
The early sections focus on the value of honest work, urging a young reader to seize any opportunity rather than wait for a mythical “ideal” job. He advocates self‑reliance, the humility to adapt to circumstances, and a principled stance on wealth—suggesting that true contentment comes from earning one’s own way and keeping money untainted by inheritance. Listeners will find a thoughtful, down‑to‑earth guide that balances realism with optimism, perfect for anyone seeking practical wisdom at the start of their own journey.
Language
en
Duration
~26 minutes (25K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Barbara and Bill Tozier.
Release date
2007-11-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1861–1928
A former minister who became one of the most widely read newspaper essayists of his day, he wrote brisk, thoughtful pieces on character, everyday life, and how to live well. His work blends practical advice with a warm, conversational tone that still feels accessible.
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