Stories of grit

"Stories of Grit" by Archer Wallace is an early 20th-century collection of inspiring stories, focusing on figures who defied immense obstacles to greatly impact the world, aimed to encourage young audiences. The book begins with an introduction designed to motivate, cautioning that its contents are tailored for driven young people seeking purpose and drive, not those satisfied with being average. The first story centers on George Matheson, a blind young man from Glasgow who conquered his limitations to become a celebrated poet, preacher, and writer. Despite his blindness from an early age, Matheson’s remarkable memory and relentless spirit enabled him to succeed in his studies and forge a fulfilling career, illustrating how resilience and optimism transform difficulties into outstanding accomplishments.