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The Way to Wealth

Benjamin Franklin · 1758

Franklin's 1758 essay offering frugal, practical advice on money and hard work, drawn from his almanac writings.

Franklin's own essay on thrift and hard work, reflecting the values he promoted throughout his life.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This is an essay by Benjamin Franklin, published in 1758, giving advice on how to manage money through honesty, industry and thrift. It grew out of material from his almanacs.

Why it matters

The essay is one of Franklin's most famous pieces of writing and shows his talent for turning practical advice into memorable, persuasive prose. It reflects the values of hard work and self-reliance associated with him.

Look closer

  • What two rules does Franklin say are the key to financial success?
  • Why might this kind of advice have appealed to readers in colonial America?
  • Does Franklin's advice leave out any circumstances that might make saving money difficult?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Benjamin Franklin on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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