''All I want to do is change the world.'' –W. Clement Stone

Born in Chicago in 1902, William Clement Stone’s father died when he was just 3 years old. That left the family poor for his father had gambling debts.

By age 6, Stone was selling newspapers on Chicago's South Side. By age 13, he owned his own newsstand.

By 16, he went to work with his mother at an insurance agency she had opened in Detroit. He went from office to office, making cold calls (he called them ''gold calls'') to sell casualty insurance.

Stone was soon making $100 a week. He devoured the Horatio Alger stories, in which poor boys make good.

In 1922, he started the Combined Insurance Company of America in Chicago. By 1930, he had 1,000 agents across the United States selling insurance for him as representatives for large casualty companies.

He acquired other insurance companies with ''O.P.M.'' (other people's money) which, with a ''P.M.A.'' (positive mental attitude), formed the basis of his philosophy of success.

Because of his great wealth, Stone was influential in the political arena as well as in philanthropy.

William Clement Stone knew his purpose in life and was driven by it.

Rick Warren, author of the world-famous book, Purpose Driven Life, says, "Your purpose drives you, your values shape you, and finally, your goals drive you."

Someone once said, "Life without purpose can make death a better invitation!"

Mental illness, loneliness, and depression are on the rise. But, when you find your purpose, you’ll find hope for living!

Find your purpose. And discover the excitement of living to make a positive difference in this world!