I’ve been reading P.T. Barnum’s autobiography and came across an interesting passage about when he was employed at Mr. Taylor’s (maybe of Lord & Taylor’s? Not sure) shop:
My employer manifested great interest in me, and treated me with the upmost kindness, but the situation did not suit me. The fact is, there are some persons so constituted that they can never be satisfied with labor for a fixed salary, let it be never so great. I am one of that sort. My disposition is, and ever was, of a speculative character, and I am never content to engage in any business unless it is of such a nature that my profits may be greatly enhanced by an increase of energy, perseverance, attention to business, tact, etc.
He also sounds like quite an ass and a racist, but it’s an interesting read.
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