Page:Men of Mark in America vol 2.djvu/216

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172
GEORGE PERKINS MERRILL

Weathering and Soils"; and "The Non-Metallic Minerals" (published 1904). He has no political connections but his sympathies at present are with the Republican party. He finds his principal relaxation in fishing. His choice of a profession was determined in part by his own inclination, but circumstances which were beyond his control also exerted a marked influence. Efforts that were necessary to overcome unfavorable conditions in his childhood and youth, made "the struggle for success in mature years almost second nature." The relative strength of determining influences upon his success in life he estimates in the following order: Contact with men in active life; private study; home; school, and early companionships. The influence of his mother was strong and beneficent.

To the young he says: "Persistent hard work, sound morals, judicious reading, and independent thought and action" are among the most efficient means for the attainment of true success in life.