○  russell conwell : acres of diamonds  ○

sn’t philadelphia a greater city in its greater wealth? why does new york excel philadelphia? people say, “because of her harbor.” why do many other cities of the united states get ahead of philadelphia now? there is only one answer, and that is because our own people talk down their own city. if there ever was a community on earth that has to be forced ahead, it is the city of philadelphia. if we are to have a boulevard, talk it down; if we are going to have better schools, talk them down; if you wish to have wise legislation, talk it down; talk all the proposed improvements down. that is the only great wrong that i can lay at the feet of the magnificent philadelphia that has been so universally kind to me. i say it is time we turn around in our city and begin to talk up the things that are in our city, and begin to set them before the world as the people of chicago, new york, st. louis, and san francisco do. oh, if we only could get that spirit out among our people, that we can do things in philadelphia and do them well!

arise, you millions of philadelphians, trust in god and man, and believe in the great opportunities that are right here-not over in new york or boston, but here-for business, for everything that is worth living for on earth. there was never an opportunity greater. let us talk up our won city.

but there are two other young men here to-night, and that is all i will venture to say, because it is too late. one over there gets up and says, “there is going to be a great man in philadelphia, but never was one.” “oh, is that so? when are you going to be great?” “when i am elected to some political office.” young man, won’t you learn a lesson in the primer of politics that is a prima facie evidence of littleness to hold office under our form of government? great men get into office sometimes, but what this country needs is men that will do what we tell them to do. this nation-where the people rule-is governed by the people, for the people, and

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