H. G. Wells 
The Research Magnificent (Barnes & Noble Digital Library) 

This 1915 novel masquerades as a biography of the fictitious William Porphyry Benham, prepared by friends after his death.  From a young age, Benham fixed his sights resolutely upon the idea of expressing a noble quality in every thought and action of his life, forcibly curing himself of fear and other ignoble qualities.  The
New York Times praised the book as abounding ‘in clever phrases and stimulating ideas.’

About the author

H. G. Wells (1866–1946), is often called the “Father of Science Fiction.” While science fiction was his most popular genre, Wells also wrote on history, politics, and made social commentary. His “scientific romances” speculated about the future, scientific advancements, and outer space. His works include The Time Machine, and The War of the Worlds.