His Stumbling Block Was a Stepping Stone

His Stumbling Block Was a Stepping Stone

An article in "Bits & Pieces" tells how Arturo
Toscanini was one of those people who turned a handicap
into a blessing. He was nearsighted and, at 19, was
playing cello in a small European orchestra. He
couldn't see the music on the stand in front of him, so
he had to memorize it.

One day the orchestra leader became ill and young
Toscanini was the only member of the orchestra who knew
the score. That evening, he conducted the entire
program without referring to the music. His performance
was flawless. The audience applauded enthusiastically.

Other chances to conduct followed, and Toscanini was on
his way. If he hadn't been nearsighted, he might have
continued playing cello instead of becoming one of the
finest conductors in the world.