Some men argue that they can give this service and be in business, too.
But service with such men generally means drawing a check for some
worthy cause, and nothing more. Edward Bok never belittled the giving
of contributions--he solicited too much money himself for the causes in
which he was interested--but it is a poor nature that can satisfy
itself that it is serving humanity by merely signing checks. There is
no form of service more comfortable or so cheap. Real service,
however, demands that a man give himself with his check. And that the
average man cannot do if he remains in affairs.

Particularly true is this to-day, when every problem of business is so
engrossing, demanding a man's full time and thought. It is the rare
man who can devote himself to business and be fresh for the service of
others afterward. No man can, with efficiency, serve two masters so
exacting as are these. Besides, if his business has seemed important
enough to demand his entire attention, are not the great uplift
questions equally worth his exclusive thought? Are they easier of
solution than the material problems?

A man can live a life full-square only when he divides it into three
periods:

First: that of education, acquiring the fullest and best within his
reach and power;

Second: that of achievement: achieving for himself and his family, and
discharging the first duty of any man, that in case of his incapacity
those who are closest to him are provided for. But such provision does
not mean an accumulation that becomes to those he leaves behind him an
embarrassment rather than a protection. To prevent this, the next
period confronts him:

Third: Service for others. That is the acid test where many a man
falls short: to know when he has enough, and to be willing not only to
let well enough alone, but to give a helping hand to the other fellow;
to recognize, in a practical way, that we are our brother's keeper;
that a brotherhood of man does exist outside after-dinner speeches.
Too many men make the mistake, when they reach the point of enough, of
going on pursuing the same old game: accumulating more money, grasping
for more power until either a nervous breakdown overtakes them and a
sad incapacity results, or they drop "in the harness," which is, of
course; only calling an early grave by another name. They cannot seem
to get the truth into their heads that as they have been helped by
others so should they now help