An Iron Will - Chapter 6. STAYING POWER & Chapter 7. DEGREE OF "O.O." - Orison Swett Marden (1901) - HQ Full Book.

Orison Swett Marden’s An Iron Will is a timeless manual for cultivating personal strength and achieving success through the development of unwavering determination. In Chapters 6, “Staying Power,” and 7, “Degree of ‘O.O.,’” Marden continues to drive home the idea that persistence and resolve are central to greatness. He shifts from the broad motivational tone of the earlier chapters to a more nuanced focus on the nature of endurance and the unique personal energy required to maintain one’s trajectory despite adversity.  

Chapter 6: Staying Power
In “Staying Power,” Marden defines one of the most critical ingredients of willpower: the ability to endure. Staying power, as he portrays it, is not merely passive resistance or waiting for challenges to pass, but an active, courageous perseverance in the face of opposition. It is the dogged determination to finish what one starts, to see a goal through to its end even when the path is littered with obstacles. Marden emphasizes that talent alone is not enough to ensure success; many brilliant individuals fail not because they lack intellect or skill, but because they cannot maintain their drive over the long term. They begin with enthusiasm, only to falter when the initial excitement wears off or when challenges arise. In contrast, the person with staying power may not appear extraordinary at first, but their consistent effort eventually outpaces others. To illustrate this, Marden draws on historical examples and anecdotes. One such example is that of Abraham Lincoln, who, despite a long string of defeats and failures in business and politics, persisted until he ultimately became one of the most revered U.S. Presidents. Lincoln’s life, Marden suggests, is a testament to what staying power can accomplish. Furthermore, Marden warns against the “grasshopper mind”—people who jump from one idea to another without ever following through. This restless, unfocused ambition, he argues, is one of the greatest enemies of true achievement. He encourages readers to “nail themselves to one thing” and see it through, as the man who focuses on a single aim and works tirelessly toward it is far more likely to succeed than the one who dabbles in many. In this chapter, there’s also a strong emphasis on the virtue of struggle. Marden does not paint a romantic picture of the road to success; instead, he argues that it is precisely through hardship that one builds the muscle of endurance. The struggle is not an unfortunate byproduct of pursuing goals—it is the very means through which character and will are forged.  

Chapter 7: Degree of “O.O.”
Chapter 7 is both brief and intriguing. Titled “Degree of ‘O.O.’”—which stands for “Obstinate Obstinacy”—it explores a peculiar but potent attribute of successful individuals: a kind of unreasonable, unyielding persistence. Marden uses the term somewhat playfully, but his point is serious. He believes that the most remarkable men and women possess an almost stubborn refusal to yield, even when logic, odds, or public opinion are against them. Marden admits that obstinacy is often seen as a flaw, and indeed, when misdirected or based on ignorance, it can be destructive. But in the right person and directed toward a noble purpose, this “O.O.” becomes an asset. The kind of obstinacy he admires is that which propels a person forward despite ridicule, setbacks, or even apparent failure. It is the fire in the belly that keeps someone going when everything else has failed. To support this idea, Marden refers to inventors and pioneers—people who defied conventional wisdom and kept going long after others gave up. Think of Thomas Edison, whose thousands of failed attempts at creating the electric lightbulb are legendary. His oft-quoted line about finding “10,000 ways that won’t work” is not a lament, but a tribute to his “O.O.”—his refusal to be discouraged by failure. This kind of obstinate tenacity, Marden argues, is not born of arrogance but of deep conviction. It is a product of clarity of purpose. A person who knows what they want and truly believes in their mission becomes immune to doubt. Even if the world calls them mad, they press on. This unshakable belief is a hallmark of strong will, and for Marden, a sign of greatness. Interestingly, Marden connects this trait to originality and individuality. Those with high “O.O.” are often the visionaries—the ones who dare to think differently. Their obstinacy often puts them at odds with the crowd, but it is also what allows them to bring about change. In this way, obstinacy becomes not just a psychological trait, but a social force. It is the engine of progress and innovation.  

Combined Themes: Iron Will and the Path to Mastery
Together, Chapters 6 and 7 offer a powerful exploration of the qualities that separate the truly successful from those who merely aspire. Marden weaves a compelling case that staying power and a degree of healthy, purposeful obstinacy are critical to the development of an iron will. He is not suggesting blind stubbornness or reckless disregard for others' opinions, but rather a centered, unshakeable inner compass. The kind of will he advocates is rooted in purpose, resilience, and unrelenting commitment. These chapters remind readers that while intelligence, creativity, and passion are valuable, they are not enough without the ability to endure and to refuse to quit when things get hard. Moreover, Marden’s ideas resonate beyond the individual. In a modern context, “O.O.” can be seen in entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and activists who face criticism, failure, or opposition, yet keep moving forward. In a world that often rewards speed and instant results, Marden’s emphasis on long-term grit feels more relevant than ever.  

Conclusion
“Staying Power” and “Degree of ‘O.O.’” are central pillars in Marden’s philosophy of personal development. Through them, he articulates a profound truth: success is less about brilliance and more about endurance and conviction. In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, Marden’s century-old insights serve as a timeless reminder that nothing worthwhile is achieved without struggle, and that those who succeed are often those who simply refused to give up. By cultivating staying power and a resolute belief in one’s purpose—even to the point of stubbornness—we tap into our deeper potential. Marden invites us not just to wish or dream, but to will ourselves forward with steady, immovable force. And in doing so, we begin to shape our destinies with iron hands.    

Self-Determination Willpower Determination PersonalDevelopment Motivation Resilience OvercomingAdversity SuccessMindset Perseverance InnerStrength PositiveThinking AchievingGoals Self-Mastery InspirationalBook InnerResolve Self-Discipline Achievement MentalToughness Self-Improvement Empowerment