Cornelius Vanderbilt saw his opportunity in the steamboat, and determine to identify himself with steam navigation. To the surprise of all his friends, he abandoned his prosperous business and took command of one of the first steamboat launched, at a a salary of one thousand dollars a year. Livingston and Fulton had acquired sole right to navigate New York waters by steam, but Vanderbilt thought the law unconstitutional, and defied it until it was repealed. He soon become the steamboat owner. When the government was paying a large subsidy for carrying the Europe mails, he offered to carry them free and give better service. His offer was accepted, and in this way he soon built up an enormous freight and passenger traffic.
Foreseeing the great future of railroads in a country like ours, he plunged into railroad enterprises with all his might, laying the foundation for the vast Vanderbilt system of today.
One element must be contained to get a great experience — being good at feeling. Getting an opportunity is not sufficient, and the more important is to feel it.
– Walter Bagehot
