Laugh and Live

Humor and inspiration from America's first action hero. "Young Mr. Douglas Fairbanks, star alike in both the "speakies" and the "movies," is well worth a story. He is what every American might be, ought to be, and frequently is not. More than any other that comes to mind, he is possessed of the indomitable optimism that gives purpose, "punch," and color to any life, no matter what the odds. He holds the world's record for the standing broad grin. There isn't a minute of the day that fails to find him glad that he's alive. Nobody ever saw him with a "grouch," or suffering from an attack of the "blues." Nobody ever heard him mention "hard luck" in connection with one of his failures. The worse the breaks of the game, the gloomier the outlook, the wider his grin. He has made cheerfulness a habit, and it has paid him in courage, in bubbling energy, and buoyant resolve. We are a young nation and a great nation. Judging from the promise of the morning, there is nothing that may not be asked of America's noon. A land of abundance, with not an evil that may not be banished, and yet there is more whining in it than in any other country on the face of the globe. If we are to die, "Nibbled to Death by Ducks" may well be put on the tombstone. Little things are permitted to bring about paroxysms of peevishness. Even our pleasures have come to be taken sadly. We are irritable at picnics, snarly at clambakes, and bored to death at dinners. The Government ought to hire Douglas Fairbanks, and send him over the country as an agent of the Bureau of Grins. Have him start work in Boston, and then rush him by special train to Philadelphia. If the wealth of the United States increased $41,000,000,000 during the last three peevish, whining years, think what would happen if we learned the art of joyousness and gained the strength that comes from good humor and optimism!" -George Creel CONTENTS CHAPTER I-"Whistle and Hoe-Sing As We Go" CHAPTER II-Taking Stock of Ourselves CHAPTER III-Advantages of an Early Start CHAPTER IV-Profiting by Experience CHAPTER V-Energy, Success and Laughter CHAPTER VI-Building Up a Personality CHAPTER VII-Honesty, the Character Builder CHAPTER VIII-Cleanliness of Body and Mind CHAPTER IX-Consideration for Others CHAPTER X-Keeping Ourselves Democratic CHAPTER XI-Self-Education by Good Reading CHAPTER XII-Physical and Mental Preparedness CHAPTER XIII-Self-indulgence and Failure CHAPTER XIV-Living Beyond Our Means CHAPTER XV-Initiative and Self-Reliance CHAPTER XVI-Failure to Seize Opportunities CHAPTER XVII-Assuming Responsibilities CHAPTER XVIII-Wedlock in Time CHAPTER XIX-Laugh and Live CHAPTER XX-A "CLOSE-UP" OF DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS