“I might mention fame, position, income, as examples of what the world
deems success.”
“Foolish world!” said Mr. Choate. “The most successful men sometimes
have not one of all these. All I can say is that early advantages won’t
bring a man a knowledge of the law, nor enable him to convince a jury.
What he needs is years of close application, the ability to stick until
he has mastered the necessary knowledge.”
“Where did you obtain your wide knowledge of the law?” I asked.
“Reading at home and fighting in the courts,—principally fighting in
the courts.”
“And was there any good luck about obtaining your first case? Was it
secured by special effort?”