Pushing to the Front - 7. HOW POOR BOYS AND GIRLS GO TO COLLEGE - Orison Swett Marden (1911) - HQ Full Book.

"The world makes way for the determined man."

In Chapter 7 of Pushing to the Front, Orison Swett Marden paints a vivid and deeply inspiring portrait of resilience, determination, and the power of ambition in the pursuit of education. Aptly titled “How Poor Boys and Girls Go to College,” the chapter stands as a powerful testimony to the idea that poverty is not a permanent barrier but a challenge that can be overcome with courage, perseverance, and ingenuity. It speaks to the spirit of those who refuse to allow their circumstances to dictate their future.  

Marden, known for his passionate advocacy for self-help and personal development, uses this chapter to showcase real-life examples of young men and women who defied financial hardship to acquire a college education. He emphasizes that lack of money, while a daunting obstacle, can never extinguish the flame of genuine aspiration. Through a series of anecdotes, motivational assertions, and philosophical reflections, he illustrates how the will to rise can overpower seemingly insurmountable odds.  

A recurring theme throughout the chapter is the idea that necessity breeds resourcefulness. Marden introduces readers to young people who worked their way through college by taking up odd jobs, performing manual labor, or offering tutoring services. He describes students who chopped wood, waited tables, swept floors, and even walked long distances to attend lectures because they could not afford transportation. These young individuals, Marden argues, often emerge stronger, more disciplined, and better prepared for the rigors of life than their more privileged peers.  

Marden does not shy away from pointing out the inequities in access to education, but his tone remains defiantly optimistic. He contends that the very struggle of having to earn one’s education serves to sharpen a person’s sense of value and appreciation for knowledge. Education attained through sacrifice becomes a treasure, rather than an entitlement. As he puts it, “A college training which costs one nothing is usually not much valued.” For Marden, adversity is not a deterrent but a refining force—a crucible in which greatness is forged.  

One of the striking elements of the chapter is Marden’s unshakable belief in the American ideal that anyone, regardless of background, can rise to prominence through hard work and moral character. He references notable figures—many of them self-made—who began life in poverty but eventually rose to success through education and perseverance. These examples are meant to serve not only as inspiration but also as a direct refutation of the idea that social mobility is closed off to the poor.  

He particularly emphasizes the moral fortitude and character-building aspects of working one's way through school. Marden argues that the self-discipline and grit required to do so forge habits of persistence, integrity, and independence. In contrast, he critiques those who rely solely on financial privilege to coast through their education, suggesting they often lack the drive and vision that hardship can instill. This moral dimension elevates the pursuit of education from mere academic acquisition to a journey of character development.  

The chapter also delves into the practical strategies used by these ambitious students. Some attended cheaper institutions, while others went to night school. Many saved for years, and others relied on scholarships, charity, or the kindness of mentors who recognized their determination. Marden praises the creativity and boldness of such approaches, urging young people not to wait for ideal conditions but to begin where they are, with whatever tools they possess. “Do not wait for a railroad to be built,” he says metaphorically, “strike out on foot.”  

Interestingly, Marden does not present poverty solely as a disadvantage. He insists that many of the finest traits—resilience, patience, ingenuity—are born from struggle. While he acknowledges that the road to education is longer and steeper for the poor, he is unequivocal in stating that the climb is worth it. In doing so, he elevates their journey as a noble one, worthy of admiration and emulation.  

Another powerful message that emerges from the chapter is that success is not a matter of chance but of choice. Marden encourages young readers to make the deliberate decision to educate themselves, regardless of their financial position. He champions the virtues of goal-setting, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself. Throughout, he maintains a tone of encouragement, speaking directly to the hearts of the disenfranchised, as if to say: “You are not alone. Many have gone before you, and you too can succeed.”  

In line with the self-help philosophy that permeates Pushing to the Front, this chapter is both a call to action and a source of moral support. It is filled with aphorisms and uplifting rhetoric that encourage readers to see their challenges as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Phrases like “He who has a firm will molds the world to himself,” and “There is always room at the top for the man who can push his way up,” are not just motivational—they are mantras for the striver.  

By the chapter’s end, the reader is left with the unmistakable impression that college is not merely an institution—it is a symbol of aspiration, a mountain that can be climbed by anyone willing to endure the hardships of the journey. Marden does not sugarcoat the difficulties involved, but he offers hope as the ultimate antidote to despair.  

Conclusion
Chapter 7 of Pushing to the Front, “How Poor Boys and Girls Go to College,” is a timeless tribute to the power of ambition over adversity. Orison Swett Marden weaves together powerful anecdotes, ethical reflections, and a rousing call to action to show that poverty need not be a life sentence. For Marden, education is the great equalizer, and the pursuit of it, especially against the odds, is among the noblest of human endeavors. His message is clear: with willpower, creativity, and grit, any young person—no matter how poor—can push to the front. It is not wealth but character, not privilege but perseverance, that ultimately leads to greatness.    

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