Alger’s story is a good example of how to motivate people. Many people think that success requires enduring difficult situations. Some people endure extreme hardships and still achieve great success. Arguments have arisen about this discrepancy, which was based on Biblical accounts like the Job story. Alger stresses that suffering is only part of the story. Karma also rewards those with a consistent character, over those who choose to be opportunistic.
Ragged Dick stands out as an example of how steadfast honesty can be rewarded. Humans do not like experiencing pain. The majority of people find motivation in fear of suffering. Suffering can be defined as starvation or homelessness and poor health. It is therefore possible to say that people work to avoid pain. However, there is a problem. Some of the work could also be the source of pain. Ragged Dick, for example, seems to be able to overcome his obstacles by his efforts. Ragged Dick works hard but is now homeless. He is publicly humiliated because his situation doesn’t seem to be improving. Ragged Dick is asked by the porter, “Does not anyone ever steal?” (Alger, 2014 p. 4). Ironically, this inquiry was made because Ragged Dick seems to care so little about earning money. Ragged Dick achieved success despite these depressing thoughts. It is a testament to the multiple effects Karma can have. Karma doesn’t reward people who suffer misery that is followed by more suffering. Karma is looking for evidence that an individual’s unbroken integrity is part of its component. Karma effects work best when viewed over a long term basis. They are not useful for people who look to short cuts, like the porter who recommended Ragged Dick steal.
Ragged Dick, the protagonist of the tale shows the nature Karma’s attitude towards sloth. This is a good time to highlight the issue of how some people may suffer hardship and still succeed. Karma is believed to be effective when people are in a good posture. Ragged Dick had to be able to demonstrate his skills on the streets. A [porterfort example says that Dick is happy to hear this, and it made the harsh voice seem softer than at first. Do you have the money to buy breakfast? (Alger, 2014 p.5). He would have been sleeping in the park, but this wouldn’t have happened. He would never have achieved the success he did if he had not stayed in New York’s parks. Many homeless people spend their days rummaging through trash or idling, as was the case for Ragged Dick before his breakthrough. Dick was able to position himself so that he could contact others who helped him. Individuals who wait and do not act, like some religions believe, can disprove Karma’s influence. This group preaches inactivity and is likely to be affected by Karma. New York’s streets were a great place to meet people from the highest socioeconomic levels. It is right for someone to benefit from Karma in such an environment.