To illustrate the value of perseverance, Samuel Smiles told the tale of a French emigre in London who worked as a stonemason. Finding it difficult to get work, he asked a friend for advice. His friend surprised him by suggesting that he teach French. However, he felt utterly inadequate for the task, and went on looking for manual jobs.

Still unable to find work, the French emigre resolved to try his hand at teaching. He studied under his friend, who helped him to lose his provincial accent, and eventually he secured a place at a London school. He was particularly amused to see, from his room in the school, some chimneys he had put up as a stonemason.

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