This story by W Somerset Maugham is about man named Albert who has worked hard as a church official for 16 years. When a new vicar learns Albert cannot read or write, he tells him that he must leave the job. Rather than go home immediately, Albert walks the streets trying to think of what he can do. During the walk, he decides to open a business. He soon proves that you don’t need a good education to be a success. All you need is the ability to think creatively, and the courage to back your ideas.
Original Text / PDF (2,816 words)
Video Version
This is a segment from the 1950 movie ‘Trio’, which featured three of Maugham’s short stories. The introduction to the story is by Maugham himself. It is interesting to note that Maugham also participated in writing the screenplay for the film. Watch and enjoy!