The Best Investment I Ever Made by A.J. Cronin is a touching story based on the author’s real-life experience as a doctor in London. The word investment in the title does not refer to money or profit but to an act of kindness that changed a young man’s life.
The story begins with the narrator, a doctor, travelling on a ship. He notices a man and his wife looking at him repeatedly but hesitating to approach him. Curious, he finds out that they are Mr. and Mrs. John S from a small suburb of London. Eventually, Mr. John gathers the courage to speak to the doctor, leading to a surprising revelation about their past connection.
Years ago, when the doctor was a young practitioner, he was awakened one night by a police sergeant who needed his help. A young man had tried to take his own life. The doctor worked hard to save him, and when the boy regained consciousness, he shared his sad story. He had fallen into bad company, lost all his savings in gambling, and, out of desperation, had stolen seven pounds and ten rupees from his office. Fearing punishment, he attempted suicide.
Instead of reporting him to the authorities, the doctor, along with the police sergeant and the boy’s landlady, decided to help him. The landlady forgave his rent for a month, and the doctor gave him the stolen amount so he could return it and start fresh.
Now, years later, the doctor learns that the same young man is leading a meaningful life. He and his wife run an organization that helps troubled youth get back on the right path. Seeing the positive impact of his small act of kindness, the doctor realizes that the seven pounds and ten shillings he gave were the best investment he ever made—not in money, but in a person’s life.
The story teaches an important lesson: true investments are not always about financial gain. Helping others can be the most rewarding investment of all.
Character Sketch of the Stranger (Mr. John S.)
Mr. John S. is introduced as a mysterious passenger on the ship who keeps looking at the doctor but hesitates to approach him. His initial shyness and reluctance suggest a deep sense of respect and gratitude toward the doctor.
As the story unfolds, we learn that John S. was once a troubled young man who had fallen into bad company. He became involved in gambling, lost all his savings, and stole money in desperation. Overcome with guilt and fear of punishment, he attempted suicide but was saved by the doctor and a kind police sergeant.
Despite his past mistakes, John S. proves to be a person capable of transformation. With the support of the doctor, the sergeant, and his landlady, he turns his life around. Instead of continuing down a dark path, he chooses to dedicate himself to helping others. Now, as an adult, he is the director of an organization that rehabilitates troubled youth, guiding them toward a better future.
John S. is a symbol of redemption and personal growth. His story highlights that even the most misguided individuals can change if given a second chance. His humility, gratitude, and dedication to social work show that he values the kindness he once received and now strives to pass it on to others.
How was the stranger helped in the past by the narrator, the sergeant (police), and the landlady?
In the past, the stranger, Mr. John S., was helped by three kind individuals—the narrator (doctor), the police sergeant, and the landlady—when he was in a moment of deep crisis.
How They Helped Him:
- The Doctor (Narrator):
- When John S. attempted suicide due to guilt and fear after stealing money, the doctor was called by the police sergeant to save him.
- The doctor worked hard to revive him and bring him back to consciousness.
- Seeing the boy’s regret and helplessness, he gave him a second chance instead of reporting him to the authorities.
- He gave John seven pounds and ten shillings to replace the stolen money, allowing him to avoid legal trouble and restart his life.
- The Police Sergeant:
- Instead of arresting or punishing John for theft, the sergeant showed compassion.
- He chose not to report the crime and supported the decision to help the boy rather than ruin his future.
- The Landlady:
- She also showed kindness by waiving his monthly rent, reducing his financial burden, and giving him time to recover.
Impact of Their Help:
Thanks to their generosity and understanding, John S. was able to turn his life around. Instead of becoming a criminal or losing hope, he transformed into a responsible and compassionate person who later dedicated his life to helping troubled youth.
Important Points of the Story: “The Best Investment I Ever Made”
- Introduction of the Stranger:
- The story begins on a ship where the narrator (doctor) notices a man, Mr. John S., constantly looking at him.
- The man seems hesitant to approach, creating curiosity in the narrator.
- Narrator’s Discovery:
- The narrator learns that the man and his wife work for an organization that helps troubled youth.
- John S. finally speaks to the doctor and reveals their past connection.
- Flashback – A Troubled Youth:
- Years ago, John S. was a misguided young man who got involved in gambling and lost all his money.
- In desperation, he stole seven pounds and ten shillings from his office but failed in his final bet.
- Fearing punishment, he attempted suicide but was saved by the doctor and the police sergeant.
- The Help He Received:
- The doctor revived him and chose not to report him. He also gave him the stolen amount to put back.
- The sergeant showed mercy by not arresting him.
- The landlord supported him by waiving his rent for a month.
- Transformation of John S.:
- Given a second chance, John S. turned his life around.
- He later dedicated himself to helping young offenders and reforming troubled youth.
- The Doctor’s Reflection:
- Seeing John S. as a successful social worker, the doctor realizes that the seven pounds he gave were the best investment he ever made—not in money, but in a human life.
- The story highlights how kindness, compassion, and second chances can change lives.
Moral of the Story:
True investments are not always about money; sometimes, the best returns come from helping people and making a positive impact in their lives.