This is a modern-English version of Franklin's Way to Wealth; or, "Poor Richard Improved", originally written by Franklin, Benjamin.
It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling,
and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If
you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.
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The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
The cover image was made by the transcriber and is now in the public domain.
WAY TO WEALTH.
FRANKLIN'S
WAY TO WEALTH;
LONDON:
Printed by and for W. and T. Darton,
No. 58, Holborn-Hill.
A GRAMMATICAL CATECHISM for the use of Schools, upon the plan of Lindley Murray.
A Grammar Guide for the use of schools, based on Lindley Murray's approach.
"This manual is particularly adapted to the purposes of examination and catechetical instruction, and will be found of the utmost service in weekly grammatical enquiries."
"This manual is specifically designed for exams and teaching purposes, and it will be extremely helpful for weekly grammar inquiries."
THE PAGAN MYTHOLOGY of ancient Greece and Rome versified, accompanied with Philosophical Elucidations of the probable latent meaning of some of the Fables of the Ancients, on a theory entirely new. By R. ATKINS. Illustrated by twenty-two Cuts on Wood.
Pagan mythology of ancient Greece and Rome has been put into verse, along with philosophical explanations of the possible hidden meanings behind some of the ancient fables, based on a completely new theory. By R. ATKINS. Illustrated with twenty-two woodcuts.
"This little work is intended as an easy Introduction to the Mythology of ancient Greece and Rome, and is particularly adapted to the use of Schools, being divested of the obscene allegories introduced by the ancients in their usual figurative style. It is certainly better calculated to convey a general idea of the subject, than any attempt of the kind which has yet fallen under our observation. The Poetical Illustrations are simple, and well calculated to the purpose of becoming a vehicle of instruction to juvenile minds, and the elucidations of the fables are plausible and ingenious."
"This short book is meant to be an easy introduction to the mythology of ancient Greece and Rome, and it’s especially suitable for schools, as it removes the obscene allegories that the ancients often used in their figurative language. It’s definitely better at providing a general understanding of the subject than any other similar attempt we’ve seen so far. The poetic illustrations are straightforward and well-suited to help teach young minds, and the explanations of the fables are convincing and clever."
Sold by W. and T. Darton,
58, Holborn Hill.
INTRODUCTION.
Dr. Franklin, wishing to collect into one piece all the sayings upon the following subjects, which he had dropped in the course of publishing the Almanacks called "Poor Richard," introduces Father Abraham for this purpose. Hence it is, that Poor Richard is so often quoted, and that, in the present title, he is said to be improved. Notwithstanding the stroke of humour in the concluding paragraph of this address, Poor Richard (Saunders) and Father Abraham have proved, in America, that they are no common preachers. And shall we, brother Englishmen, refuse good sense and saving knowledge, because it comes from the other side of the water?
Dr. Franklin, wanting to gather all the sayings on the following topics that he had shared while publishing the Almanacks called "Poor Richard," introduces Father Abraham for this purpose. This is why Poor Richard is so frequently quoted and why, in the current title, he is said to be improved. Despite the humor in the final paragraph of this address, Poor Richard (Saunders) and Father Abraham have shown, in America, that they are no ordinary preachers. And should we, fellow Englishmen, turn down good sense and valuable knowledge just because it comes from across the ocean?
W. & T. DARTON,
Virtue and Innocence, a Poem | 1 | 0 |
The Economy of Human Life | 1 | 0 |
Old Friends in a New Dress, or Selections from Esop's Fables, in Verse, 2 parts, plates | 2 | 0 |
Little Jack Horner, in Verse, plain 1s. coloured | 1 | 6 |
Portraits of Curious Characters in London, &c. with Biographical and Interesting Anecdotes | 1 | 6 |
Watt's Catechism and Prayers, in 1 vol. half bound | 1 | 0 |
Wonders of the Horse, recorded in Anecdotes, Prose and Verse, by Joseph Taylor | 2 | 6 |
Tales of the Robin & other Small Birds, in Verse, by Joseph Taylor | 2 | 6 |
Instructive Conversation Cards, consisting of 32 Biographical Sketches of Eminent British Characters | 1 | 6 |
Ditto, containing a Description of the most distinguished Places in England | 1 | 6 |
⁂ Just published, The Mice & their Pic Nic; a good Moral Tale, price with neat coloured plates | 1 | 0 |
WAY TO WEALTH.
COURTEOUS READER,
DEAR READER,
I have heard that nothing gives an author so great pleasure, as to find his works respectfully quoted by others. Judge, then, how much I must have been gratified by an incident I am going to relate to you. I stopped my horse, lately, where a great number of people were collected at an auction of merchants' goods. The hour of the sale not being come, they were conversing on the badness of the times; and one of the company called to a plain, clean, old man, with white locks,[8] 'Pray, Father Abraham, what think you of the times? Will not those heavy taxes quite ruin the country! How shall we be ever able to pay them? What would you advise us to?'——Father Abraham stood up, and replied, 'If you would have my advice, I will give it you in short; "for a word to the wise is enough," as Poor Richard says.' They joined in desiring him to speak his mind, and, gathering round him, he proceeded as follows:
I have heard that nothing gives an author as much pleasure as having their works respectfully quoted by others. So, just imagine how gratified I was by an incident I’m about to share with you. Recently, I stopped my horse where a large crowd had gathered for an auction of merchants' goods. Since it wasn’t time for the sale yet, they were chatting about how tough things were these days; and one person in the group called out to an old, clean-cut man with white hair, [8] "Hey, Father Abraham, what do you think about the current situation? Won't these heavy taxes totally ruin the country? How are we ever going to pay them? What do you suggest?" Father Abraham stood up and replied, "If you want my advice, I’ll keep it brief; ‘a word to the wise is enough,’ as Poor Richard puts it." They urged him to share his thoughts, gathering around him as he continued:
'Friends,' says he, 'the taxes are indeed very heavy; and, if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more easily discharge them; but we have[9] many others, and much more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly; and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or deliver us by allowing an abatement. However, let us hearken to good advice, and something may be done for us; "God helps them that help themselves," as Poor Richard says.
'Friends,' he says, 'the taxes are really heavy; and if the ones imposed by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might manage them more easily; but we have[9] many others, and they're much worse for some of us. We're taxed twice as much by our laziness, three times as much by our arrogance, and four times as much by our ignorance; and these taxes can't be reduced or forgiven by the officials. However, let's listen to good advice, and something might be done for us; "God helps those who help themselves," as Poor Richard says.
I. 'It would be thought a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their time to be employed in its service: but idleness taxes many of us much more; sloth, by bringing on diseases, absolutely shortens life.
I. 'It would be seen as a harsh government that taxed its people one-tenth of their time to be used for its service: but idleness costs many of us far more; laziness, by causing diseases, genuinely shortens life.
"Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labour wears, while the used key is always bright," as Poor Richard says.—"But, dost thou love life? then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of," as Poor Richard says.—How much more than is necessary do we spend in sleep! forgetting[11] that, "the sleeping fox catches no poultry, and that there will be sleeping enough in the grave," as Poor Richard says.
"Sloth, like rust, eats away faster than hard work wears you down, while the used key is always shiny," as Poor Richard says. — "But, do you love life? Then don’t waste time, because that’s what life is made of," as Poor Richard says. — How much more than necessary do we spend on sleep! forgetting[11] that, "the sleeping fox catches no chickens, and there will be plenty of sleep in the grave," as Poor Richard says.
"If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be" as Poor Richard says, "the greatest prodigality;" since, as he elsewhere tells us, "Lost time is never found again; and what we call time enough, always[12] proves little enough." Let us then up and be doing, and doing to the purpose: so by diligence shall we do more with less perplexity. "Sloth makes all things difficult, but industry all easy; and he that riseth late, must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night; while laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him. Drive thy business, let not that drive thee; and early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," as Poor Richard says.
"If time is the most valuable thing, wasting it must be," as Poor Richard says, "the greatest waste;" since, as he reminds us elsewhere, "Lost time is never found again; and what we think is enough time always proves to be too little." So let’s get to work and focus on our goals: with diligence, we can achieve more with less stress. "Laziness makes everything difficult, but hard work makes everything easy; and if you get up late, you'll be rushing all day and will hardly catch up with your tasks by night; while laziness moves so slowly that poverty quickly catches up with you. Take charge of your work, don't let it control you; and going to bed early and getting up early makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise," as Poor Richard says.
'So what signifies wishing and hoping for better times? We may make these times better, if we bestir ourselves. "Industry need not wish, and he that lives upon hope will die fasting. There are no gains without pains; then help hands, for I have no lands;" or[13] if I have, they are smartly taxed. "He that hath a trade, hath an estate; and he that hath a calling, hath an office of profit and honour," as Poor Richard says; but then the trade must be worked at, and the calling well followed, or neither the estate nor the office will enable us to pay our taxes.—If we are industrious, we shall never starve; for "at the working man's house hunger looks in, but dares not enter." Nor will the bailiff or the constable enter, for "industry pays debts, while despair increaseth them." What, though you have found no treasure, nor has any rich relation left you a legacy. "Diligence is the mother of good luck, and God gives all things to industry. Then plow deep, while sluggards sleep, and you shall have corn to sell and to keep."[14] Work while it is called to-day, for you know not how much you may be hindered to-morrow. "One to-day is worth two to-morrows," as Poor Richard says, and farther, "Never leave that till to-morrow, which you can do to-day."—If you were a servant, would you not be ashamed that a good master should catch you idle? Are you then[15] your own master? be ashamed to catch yourself idle, when there is so much to be done for yourself, your family, your country, and your king. Handle your tools without mittens: remember, that "The cat in gloves catches no mice," as Poor Richard says. It is true, there is much to be done, and, perhaps, you are weak-handed: but stick to it steadily,[16] and you will see great effects; for "Constant dropping wears away stones; and by diligence and patience the mouse ate in two the cable; and little strokes fell great oaks."
So what does it really mean to wish and hope for better times? We can make these times better if we put in the effort. "Hard work doesn't wish, and someone who lives on hope will starve." There are no rewards without hard work; so lend a hand, because I have no land; or[13] if I do, they're heavily taxed. "He who has a trade has an asset; and he who has a calling has a valuable job," as Poor Richard says; but the trade needs to be pursued, and the calling must be followed closely, or neither the asset nor the job will help us pay our taxes.—If we work hard, we will never go hungry; because "at the working man’s home, hunger might peek in, but it won’t dare come inside." Nor will the bailiff or the constable come in, because "hard work pays off debts, while despair just makes them worse." Even if you haven't found any treasure, and no wealthy relative left you an inheritance. "Diligence is the mother of good luck, and God gives everything to those who work hard." So plow deep while the lazy sleep, and you'll have grain to sell and to keep.[14] Work while you can today, because you don’t know how much you might be held back tomorrow. "One today is worth two tomorrows," as Poor Richard says, and furthermore, "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."—If you were an employee, wouldn’t you feel ashamed if a good boss caught you slacking off? So if you’re your own boss, feel embarrassed when you catch yourself being lazy, especially when there’s so much to do for yourself, your family, your community, and your country. Handle your tools without gloves: remember, "The cat in gloves catches no mice," as Poor Richard says. It's true, there’s a lot to do, and maybe you're not the strongest; but stay at it consistently,[16] and you’ll see great results; because "Constant dripping wears away stones; and with diligence and patience, the mouse wore through the cable; and small efforts bring down great oaks."
'Methinks I hear some of you say, "Must a man afford himself no leisure?" I will tell thee, my friend, what Poor Richard says, "Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure; and, since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour." Leisure is time for doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; for "A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things. Many, without labour, would live by their wits only, but they break for want of stock;" whereas industry gives comfort, and plenty, and[17] respect. "Fly pleasures and they will follow you. The diligent spinner has a large shift; and now I have a sheep and a cow, every body bids me good-morrow."
"I think I hear some of you saying, 'Doesn't a man deserve some downtime?' Let me tell you, my friend, what Poor Richard says, 'Use your time wisely if you want to enjoy some leisure; and since you can't guarantee even a minute, don't waste an hour.' Leisure is the time for doing something beneficial; the hardworking person will achieve this leisure, but the lazy person never will; for 'A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two different things. Many people, wanting to live without working, would only rely on their wits, but they fail because they lack resources;' while hard work brings comfort, abundance, and[17] respect. 'Avoid pleasures and they will chase after you. The diligent worker has plenty to show for their efforts; and now, with a sheep and a cow, everyone greets me with good morning.'"
II. 'But with our industry we must likewise be steady, settled, and careful, and oversee our own affairs with our own eyes, and not trust too much to others: for, as Poor Richard says,
II. 'But with our hard work, we must also be consistent, reliable, and cautious, and manage our own matters ourselves rather than relying too much on others: for, as Poor Richard says,
Nor yet a distant family,
"That thrived as well as those who settled there."
"He must either hold on or drive."
'Trusting too much to others' care is the ruin of many; for, "In the affairs of this world, men are saved, not by faith, but by the want of it:" but a man's own care is profitable; for, "If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like,—serve yourself. A[20] little neglect may breed great mischief; for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost;" being overtaken and slain by the enemy; all for want of a little care about a horse-shoe nail.
'Relying too much on others to take care of things can lead to disaster; because, "In the matters of this world, people are saved, not by faith, but by a lack of it:" but taking care of your own responsibilities is worthwhile; as, "If you want a reliable servant whom you like, help yourself." A[20] bit of neglect can cause big problems; because for lack of a nail the shoe was lost; for lack of a shoe the horse was lost; and for lack of a horse the rider was lost;" ultimately caught and killed by the enemy; all for the sake of a little attention to a horse-shoe nail.
III. 'So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one's own business; but to these we must add frugality, if we would make our industry more certainly successful. A man may if he knows not how to save as he gets, "keep his nose all his life to the grindstone, and die not worth a groat at last. A fat kitchen makes a lean will;" and,
III. "So much for industry, my friends, and focusing on your own work; but we also need to include frugality if we want to ensure our efforts are successful. A person may work hard, but if they don't know how to save while they earn, they can spend their whole life working hard and end up with nothing. A full kitchen leads to an empty wallet;" and,
Since women stopped spinning and knitting to have tea,
And men gave up cutting and splitting wood for drinks.
'Away, then, with your expensive follies, and you will not then have so much cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families; for,
'Away, then, with your costly distractions, and you won’t have as much reason to grumble about tough times, high taxes, and financial burdens; for,
"Reduce the wealth and increase the need."
"Before you indulge in luxury, check your wallet."
"But small boats should stay close to the shore."
'But what madness it must be to run in debt for these superfluities? We are offered, by the terms of this sale, six months credit; and that, perhaps, has induced some of us to attend it, because we cannot spare the ready money, and hope now to be fine without it. But, ah! think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another power over your liberty, If you cannot pay at the time, you will be ashamed to see your creditor; you will be in fear when you speak to him; you will make poor pitiful sneaking excuses, and, by degrees, come to lose your veracity, and sink into base, downright lying; for, "The second vice is lying[30], the first is running in debt," as Poor Richard says; and again, to the same purpose, "Lying rides upon Debt's back:" whereas a free-born Englishman ought not to be ashamed nor afraid to see or speak to any man living. But poverty often deprives a man of all spirit and virtue. "It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright."—What would you think of that prince, or of that government, who should issue an edict forbidding you to dress like a gentleman or gentlewoman, on pain of imprisonment or servitude? Would you not say that you were free, have a right to dress as you please, and that such an edict would be a breach of[31] your privileges, and such a government tyrannical? And yet you are about to put yourself under that tyranny, when you run in debt for such dress! Your creditor has authority, at his pleasure, to deprive you of your liberty, by confining you in gaol for life, or by selling you for a servant, if you should not be able to pay him. When you have got your bargain, you may, perhaps, think little of payment; but, as Poor Richard says, "Creditors have better memories than debtors; creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days and times." The day comes round before you are aware, and the demand is made before you are prepared to satisfy[32] it; or, if you bear your debt in mind, the term, which at first seemed so long, will, as it lessens, appear extremely short: "Time will seem to have added wings to his heels as well as his shoulders. Those have a short Lent, who owe money to be paid at Easter." At present, perhaps, you may think yourselves in thriving circumstances, and that you can bear a little extravagance without injury; but
But what kind of madness is it to go into debt for these unnecessary things? We're being offered six months of credit from this sale, and maybe that's what got some of us here, since we can't afford to pay in cash and hope to look good without it. But seriously, think about what you're doing when you go into debt; you're giving someone else control over your freedom. If you can't pay on time, you'll feel ashamed to face your creditor; you'll be anxious whenever you talk to them; you'll come up with pathetic excuses, and over time you'll start to lose your honesty and sink into outright lying. As Poor Richard puts it, "The second vice is lying, the first is running into debt." And again, he says, "Lying rides on the back of debt": a free-born Englishman shouldn't be embarrassed or afraid to see or talk to anyone. But poverty often strips a person of all spirit and virtue. "It's hard for an empty bag to stand upright."—What would you think of a prince or a government that issued a decree forbidding you to dress like a gentleman or lady, under threat of imprisonment or servitude? Wouldn't you say you're free and have the right to dress as you wish, and that such a decree violates your rights, making that government tyrannical? Yet, you're about to subject yourself to that tyranny when you go into debt for such clothing! Your creditor has the power to take away your freedom by locking you up for life or selling you into servitude if you can't pay them back. Once you've made your purchase, you might think less about paying, but as Poor Richard says, "Creditors have better memories than debtors; creditors are a superstitious group, keen observers of deadlines." The due date sneaks up on you before you realize it, and the demand comes before you're ready to meet it; or, if you remember your debt, what originally seemed like a long time will suddenly feel very short: "Time will seem to have added wings to both his heels and his shoulders. Those with a short Lent are those who owe money to be paid at Easter." Right now, you might think you're doing well and that a little extravagance won't hurt you, but...
"No morning sun lasts throughout the day."
'Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever, while you live, expense is constant and certain; and "It is easier to build two chimneys, than to keep one in fuel," as Poor Richard[33] says: so, "Rather go to bed supper-less, than rise in debt,"
'Gains might be fleeting and unpredictable; however, while you’re alive, expenses are always real and guaranteed. As Poor Richard[33] says, "It’s easier to build two chimneys than to keep one supplied with fuel." So, "Better to go to bed without dinner than to wake up in debt."
'Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold.
IV. 'This doctrine, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but, after all, do not depend too much upon your own industry, and frugality, and prudence, though excellent things; for they may all be blasted without the blessing of Heaven; and therefore, ask that blessing humbly, and be not uncharitable to those that at present seem to want it,[34] but comfort and help them. Remember, Job suffered, and was afterwards prosperous.
IV. ‘This belief, my friends, is reason and wisdom; but don’t rely too much on your own hard work, thrift, and caution, even though they are great qualities; because they can all be ruined without the blessing of Heaven. So, humbly seek that blessing and don’t be unkind to those who currently seem to lack it,[34] but support and help them. Remember, Job faced suffering and later became prosperous.
'And now to conclude, "Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other," as Poor Richard says, and scarce in that; for it is true, "We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct." However, remember this, "They that will not be counselled[35] cannot be helped;" and farther, that "If you will not hear Reason, she will surely rap your knuckles," as Poor Richard says.'
And now to wrap things up, "Experience is an expensive teacher, but fools won’t learn any other way," as Poor Richard puts it, and barely even then; because it's true, "We can offer advice, but we can't dictate behavior." However, keep this in mind: "Those who refuse to
Thus the old gentleman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and approved the doctrine, and immediately practised the contrary, just as if it had been a common sermon; for the auction opened, and they began to buy extravagantly.—I found the good man had thoroughly studied my Almanacks, and digested all I had dropt on those topics during the course of twenty-five years. The frequent mention he made of me must have tired any one else; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted with it, though I was conscious that not a tenth part of the wisdom was my[36] own, which he ascribed to me; but rather the gleanings that I had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to be the better for the echo of it; and, though I had at first determined to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away, resolved to wear my old one a little longer. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be as great as mine.—I am, as ever, thine to serve thee,
So the old guy wrapped up his speech. The crowd listened and agreed with his ideas, but then they immediately did the opposite, just like any regular sermon; because once the auction started, they began buying like crazy. I realized that he had really studied my Almanacs and absorbed everything I had shared on those topics over twenty-five years. The frequent mentions of my name could have bored anyone else, but my ego was pretty pleased with it, even though I knew that only a small fraction of the wisdom he credited to me was really mine. Most of it was just a collection of ideas from all kinds of people throughout history. Still, I decided to take the good from it; and even though I initially planned to buy fabric for a new coat, I left determined to wear my old one a little longer. Reader, if you do the same, your benefits will be just as great as mine. —I am, as always, here to help you,
Only the most obvious and clear punctuation errors repaired. The opening single quotes end pages later.
Only the most obvious and clear punctuation errors were fixed. The opening single quotes end pages later.
Page 9, "grevious" changed to "grievous" (much more grievous)
Page 9, "grievous" changed to "grievous" (much more grievous)
Page 11, "waisting" changed to "wasting" (wasting time must be)
Page 11, "wasting" changed to "wasting" (wasting time must be)
Page 12, "mak" changed to "make" (We may make)
Page 12, "mak" changed to "make" (We may make)
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