SELF-CONTROL 505Self-Control becomes an important factor in this course on the
laws of success because those who do not exercise it suffer the loss
of a great power that they need in their struggle for achievement of
their Definite Chief Aim.
If you neglect to exercise Self-Control, you are not only likely to
injure others but you are sure to injure yourself!
During the early part of my public career I discovered what havoc
lack of Self-Control was playing in my life. This discovery taught me
one of the most important lessons I have ever learned.
One day, in the building in which I had my office, the janitor and
I had a misunderstanding. This led to a most violent form of mutual
dislike between us. As a way of showing his contempt for me, this
janitor would switch off the lights when he knew I was alone at work
in my study. This happened on several occasions until I finally decided
to "strike back." My opportunity came one Sunday when I came to
my study to prepare an address I had to deliver the following night. I
had hardly seated myself at my desk when off went the lights.
I jumped to my feet and ran toward the basement of the building
where I knew I would find the janitor.
When I arrived, I found him busily engaged, shoveling coal into
the furnace, and whistling as though nothing unusual had happened.
Without ceremony I pitched into him, and for five minutes I hurled
adjectives at him which were hotter than the fire that he was feeding.
Finally, I ran out of words and had to slow down. Then he straightened
himself up, looked back over his shoulder, and in a calm, smooth tone
of voice that was full of poise and Self-Control, and with a smile on
his face that reached from ear to ear, he said:
"Why, you're just a little bit excited this morning, ain't you?"
That remark cut as though it had been a stiletto! Imagine my
feelings as I stood there before a man who could neither read nor
write, but who, despite this handicap, had defeated me in a duel that
had been fought on ground and with a weapon of my own choice.