
William George Jordan was an influential American editor, lecturer, and essayist known for his insightful writings on self-improvement and personal development. He gained prominence in the early 20th century with his essays that combined practical advice with philosophical reflections, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. His most notable works include 'The Majesty of Calmness' and 'The Power of Truth,' which emphasized the importance of inner peace and integrity in a rapidly changing world. Jordan's writings often reflected his belief in the power of the individual to shape their destiny through thought and action. He served as the editor of 'The World's Work,' a prominent magazine of the time, where he contributed to discussions on contemporary issues and personal growth. His legacy lies in his ability to inspire readers to cultivate a positive mindset and embrace the challenges of life with resilience and courage, leaving a lasting impact on the self-help genre and personal development literature.
“There is a tonic strength, in the hour of sorrow and affliction, in escaping from the world and society and getting back to the simple duties and interests we have slighted and forgotten. Our world grows smaller, but it grows dearer and greater. Simple things have a new charm for us, and we suddenly realize that we have been renouncing all that is greatest and best, in our pursuit of some phantom.”
“Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or evil---the silent, unconscious, unseen influence of his life. This is simply the radiation of what man really is, not what he pretends to be.”
“Ingratitude is a crime more despicable than revenge, which is only returning evil for evil, while ingratitude returns evil for good.”