This letter, which was written in 1899 as an article in Hubbard’s The Philistine: A Periodical of Protest, then later republished as a small book and distributed to over 40 million people all around the world in the next dozen years or so, is a fascinating piece of writing. I love it because it is a perfect example of:
- Persuasive Rhetoric that energized millions of people to take action
- The importance of self-respect, dignity, and ethical behavior
- A fascinating, mostly forgotten piece of writing that helped to spread the ideals of American Exceptionalism throughout the known world (Hubbard claims that it had been translated into “all” languages, which despite his braggadocious leanings, was probably very close to true at the time)
- A “viral” message that had over 40 million hits almost a hundred years before the World Wide Web or Social Media were even invented!
Here is a portrait of Hubbard, which is housed in the collection at the Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum, located at the Roycroft Artisan Community that Hubbard founded in East Aurora, New York.
Below you will find the original text in a PDF document, as well as two audio files. In the first I am reading the foreword that Elbert Hubbard wrote in 1913 while donating his handwritten manuscript to the Erie County Public Library. Here’s a picture of the first page in Hubbard’s own handwriting:
In the second, I am reading the entire text of the letter. I recommend that you listen to and apply Hubbard’s inspiring (albeit sometimes biting) comments to your own life, and that you share this with any sniveling, entitled, or lazy children, students, employees, or friends who might also benefit from Hubbard’s message.
To Your Success!
~Dr. Lawrence J. Clark
Foreword to A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard, read by Dr. Lawrence J. Clark
A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard, read by Dr. Lawrence J. Clark
PDF: Elbert Hubbard – A Message to Garcia
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