In Napoleon Hill’s “Outwitting the Devil,” an interview between an Earth-bound being and the devil takes place in which the concept of the drifter is revealed by the enemy. When asked what the characteristics of a drifter are, the following list is presented. Shortly thereafter, a list of characteristics of a non-drifter are outlined.
The Characteristics of a Drifter
- Total lack of a major purpose in life
- He will be conspicuous by his lack of self-confidence
- He will never accomplish anything requiring thought and effort
- He spends all he earns and more too if he can get credit
- He will be sick or ailing from some real or imaginary cause and calling to high heaving if he suffers the least physical pain.
- He will have little or no imagination
- He will lack enthusiasm and initiative to begin anything he is not forced to undertake, and he will plainly express his weakness by taking the line of least resistance whenever he can do so.
- He will be ill-tempered and lacking in control over his emotions.
- His personality will be without magnetism, and it will not attract other people.
- He will have opinions on everything but accurate knowledge of nothing.
- He may be jack of all trades, but good at none.
- He will neglect to cooperate with those around him…even on those he must depend on for food and shelter.
- He will make the same mistake over and over again never profiting by failure.
- He will be narrow-minded and intolerant on all subjects ready to crucify those who disagree with him.
- He will expect everything of others, but be willing to give nothing in return.
- He may begin many things, but complete nothing.
- He will be loud in his condemnation of his government, but he will never tell you definitely how it could be improved.
- He will never reach decisions on anything if he can avoid it, and if he is forced to decide, he will reverse himself at the first opportunity.
- He will eat too much, and exercise too little.
- He will take a drink of liquor, if someone else will pay for it.
- He will gamble if he can do it on the cuff (meaning on credit.)
- He will criticize other who are succeeding at their chosen calling.
- The drifter will work harder to get out of thinking than most others work at making a good living.
- He will tell a lie rather than admit his ignorance on any subject.
- If he works for others he will criticize them to their backs, and flatter them to their faces.
The Characteristics of a Non-Drifter:
- He is always engaged in doing something definite through some well-organized plan which is definite.
- He has a major goal in life towards which he is always working and many minor goals, all of which lead towards his central scheme.
- The tone of his voice, the quickness of his step, the sparkle in his eyes, the quickness of his decisions clearly mark him as a person who knows exactly what he wants and is determined to get it, no matter how long it may take or what price he must pay.
- If you ask him questions, he gives you direct answers and never falls back on evasions, or resorts to subterfuge.
- He extends many favors to others but accepts favors sparingly, or not at all.
- He will be found up front whether he is playing a game, or fighting a war.
- If he does not know the answers, he will say so, frankly.
- He has a good memory…never offers an alibi for his shortcomings.
- He never blames others for his mistakes no matter if they deserve the blame.
- He used to be known as a go-getter, but in modern times he is called as a go-giver.
- You will find him running the biggest business in town, living on the best street, driving the best automobile, and making his presence felt wherever he happens to be; he is an inspiration to all who come into contact with his mind.
- He has a mind of his own, and uses it for all purposes.
To learn more about what a “drifter” is, consider adding Napoleon Hill’s “Outwitting The Devil” to your library. It’s a fantastic read.
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