'Self Help; with Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance' Summary

Samuel Smiles' *Self-Help* is a seminal work of self-improvement literature that became a bestseller in the Victorian era. The book champions the idea that success is attainable through individual effort, emphasizing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Smiles presents a series of biographical sketches of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to achieve prominence through their dedication and moral principles. The book highlights the virtues of industry, thrift, honesty, and generosity, while cautioning against idleness, greed, and moral compromise. *Self-Help* promotes a strong work ethic, self-reliance, and social responsibility as key ingredients for personal success. Through its practical advice and inspirational stories, it offers a blueprint for individual advancement in a rapidly changing society, echoing the values of Victorian liberalism and the aspirations of a rising middle class.