Laffitte came to Paris in 1778 at the age of twenty-one. He wanted to apply for a job. All his ambition was to obtain a position
in a bank. He presented himself to a rich banker.
"It is impossible to admit you in my bank, at least for the time being," said the banker to him. "My offices are all occupied."
The young man saluted and retired. While he was crossing the court, he noticed a pin on the ground and picked it up.
The rich banker had been watching the young man from his window. He saw him pick up the pin and his action pleased him.
In the evening the young man received a letter from the banker who said to him : "You have a position in my office. You may come to occupy it from tomorrow."
The young man became soon cashier, then partner, then master of the first bank of Paris. Finally he became statesman with great influence under King Louis-Philippe.