Way to Wealth, Benjamin Franklin
Way to Wealth, Benjamin Franklin
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Way to Wealth

Author: Benjamin Franklin

Narrator: Kent McKamy

Unabridged: 19 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Ascent Audio

Published: 05/04/2011

Categories: Nonfiction, Self-help


Synopsis

The first American book on personal finance, The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin is still the best and wisest money book ever written. Originally published in 1758 as the preface to Poor Richard's Almanack, this little gem has been through innumerable printings and sold millions of copies to those in search of smart but entertaining advice about hard work, earning and saving, money and debt. As the 21st century charges along, and the current economic climate continues to send out mixed messages, Franklin's simple but wise commentary on the value of industry and frugality resonates as much for us today as it did for listeners nearly 350 years ago. Here is a sample:
"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
"If you would be wealthy, think of saving, as well as of getting."
"If you would have your business done, go; if not, send."
"Think what you do when you run into debt; you give to another power over your liberty."
"Creditors have better memories than debtors."
Although older than the United States itself, The Way to Wealth is still very popular. It is handed out by major companies and financial institutions to friends, clients, and customers, and was the January 2004 selection of The Washington Post's Color of Money Book Club.
As Michelle Singletary, director of the club, wrote in a column about the book, "At just 30 pages, this pocket¿size book takes less than an hour to read but will give you a lifetime of financial wisdom - that is, if you're wise enough to follow the advice".

About Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most important and influential Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leading author, political theorist, politician, printer, scientist, inventor, civic activist, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As a political writer and activist, he essentially invented the idea of an American nation. And as a diplomat during the American Revolution, he secured the French military and financial aid that made victory over Britain possible. Franklin's many inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, and the harmonica.

Franklin was born in what was then the British colony of Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1706. The fifteenth of seventeen children, he received only two years of formal education. He started working in his father's candlemaking shop at the age of ten and later became an apprentice printer, working for his brother James. As a printer he developed a love for books, from which he educated himself. He spent two years in London, where he learned more about printing, and returned to Philadelphia in 1726. There he established the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanack.

Franklin established service organizations, was postmaster of Philadelphia, and founded a college that eventually became the University of Pennsylvania. He returned to London in 1757 as an agent of the Pennsylvania Assembly and remained there nearly eighteen years. In 1775, Franklin returned to the colonies and joined the committee that was drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Franklin died in Philadelphia on April 17, 1790.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bryce on November 15, 2009

A very interesting read from both a historical perspective but also for the person that has an eye toward improving themselves.......more

Goodreads review by Leslie on March 14, 2025

"Wealth and Wisdom" by Benjamin Franklin is a collection of essays, letters, and aphorisms that offer insights into Franklin's thoughts on wealth, wisdom, and personal development. The book is a compilation of Franklin's writings, which provide guidance on how to live a virtuous and prosperous life.......more

Goodreads review by Amy on February 01, 2021

I am on a Ben Franklin binge and this was one of my favorites. Timeless sayings from Poor Richard's Almanac that sooo many consumers need to learn and live today. Not just for their pocket books, but to put a hault to keeping up with the Joneses mentality of society and generating more junk for the......more

Goodreads review by Mike on August 02, 2023

Skarbnica przysłów i mądrych powiedzeń. W tej książce wyłania się obraz Franklina jako bardzo pracowitego, uczciwego i lojalnego przedsiębiorcy. Jego filozofia jest dla mnie niezwykle inspirująca.......more

Goodreads review by Nicholas on June 23, 2024

Americans must read books by Benjamin Franklin.......more