Creating a doorway to your mind

 

“The wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages is preserved into perpetuity by a nation's proverbs, fables, folk sayings and quotations.” –  William Feather 

Feather, born on this day in 1889, was a publisher and author based in Cleveland, OH, where he built a publishing empire and shared dozens and dozens of those quotes and fables through his many works.

 

Born in Jamestown, NY, Feather went to Cleveland in 1903 where he earned a degree from Western Reserve University and began working as a reporter for the Cleveland Press. In 1916, he established the William Feather Magazine, and also wrote for other magazines like H.L. Mencken's The American Mercury.  His successful printing business published several of his own books, including the simply titled but highly sought-after How to Get Ahead.

 

He also wrote the best-selling The Business of Life and one of the first “How-To" guides, How To Set Up a Family Budget. In his writings he espoused thrift, industry, promptness, perseverance, and dependability.  

 

“Books,” he said, “open your mind, broaden your mind, and strengthen you as nothing else can.  Finishing a good book is like leaving a good friend.”