reference is made, but not everyone knows the REALSOURCE of his achievements.It is uncertain to whom Hill was referring in these paragraphs.
The sentiments expressed may seem ingenuous to today’s reader, but they convey vividly Hill’s contention that sex drive has an enormous influence upon human behavior and motivation
in the business world,
a point which more dispassionate behavioral research has borne out.
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James Whitcomb Riley Nicknamed The Hoosier Poet Riley (1849-
1916) was famous for his poems and lecture circuit anecdotes about life in small town, rural America and particularly his home state of
Indiana. A born mimic, he regaled audiences with rustic stories and imitations of Hoosier accents. Despite
severe attacks of stage fright,
which he never conquered, he went onto become one of the country’s most popular lecturers. He also created the Little Orphan Annie character in
The Orphant Annie Book [sic] (1908), and he published books of poetry such as
The Old Swimmin’ Hole and
‘Leven MorePoems, the latter of which sold a half-million copies. Before beginning
his career as an author, he worked as an itinerant sign painter, actor,
Bible salesman, musician, and newspaper reporter. That he wrote under some sort of special influence Riley himself agreed My work did itself. I’m only the ‘willer’ willow bark through which the whistle comes.”
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But let it be Narcotics and alcohol seem to play a catalytic role in the lives of many creative people. They also often spell their doom. Actor
Philip
Seymour Hoffman, actor-singer Cory Monteith, Whitney
Houston, Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger,
comedianChris Farley, actress Judy Garland, rock legend Jim Morrison of The
Doors, poet Dylan Thomas, novelist Ernest Hemingway,
playwrightTennessee Williams, rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix, author Truman
Capote, Beat Generation chronicler Jack Kerouac,
comedian JohnBelushi, actor River Phoenix—the list goes on and on of outstanding artists whose addictions ultimately cost them their lives.
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James J. Hill James J. Hill (1838-1916) was a financier and railroad magnate. He was president and subsequently chairman of Great
Northern Railway. He later assumed control of the First and Second
National banks of St. Paul, Minnesota. Hill wrote a popular book,
Highways of Progress, which was published in 1910.
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