The Art of Money Getting (1880) stands as P.T. Barnum's practical guide to achieving financial success, combining shrewd business advice with moral principles and common-sense wisdom. Written late in his career after decades as America's most famous showman and entrepreneur, this work presents Barnum's philosophy of wealth accumulation through a series of practical rules and principles that balance ambition with integrity.
We have updated this timeless classic into a modern, updated translation so you can understand example what Barnum wrote over a hundred years ago!
At its heart, the book outlines twenty essential rules for financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and sound financial management. Barnum addresses fundamental principles such as living within one's means, avoiding debt, choosing the right vocation, and the value of maintaining a good reputation. The work is particularly notable for its emphasis on the connection between personal character and business success, arguing that virtues such as honesty, sobriety, and industry are essential to long-term prosperity.
What distinguishes this work is Barnum's engaging blend of practical wisdom and entertaining anecdotes drawn from his extensive business experience. While advocating for determined pursuit of wealth, he consistently emphasizes ethical business practices and warns against get-rich-quick schemes. His advice ranges from specific business strategies to broader life principles, including memorable maxims such as "Whatever you do, do it with all your might" and "Preserve your integrity." The work is remarkable for its continuing relevance to modern business and personal finance.
The influence of The Art of Money Getting extends beyond its immediate historical context, offering timeless principles for financial success that resonate with modern readers. While some of its specific advice reflects its nineteenth-century origins, its core principles about the relationship between character, effort, and success remain pertinent to contemporary business practice.
About the AuthorP.T. Barnum (1810-1891) was one of America's most famous entrepreneurs and showmen, known for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus and numerous other entertainment ventures. Rising from humble beginnings, he built a fortune through a combination of showmanship, innovation, and business acumen. Despite experiencing several financial setbacks, including bankruptcy, he repeatedly rebuilt his fortune and eventually became one of the wealthiest men of his time. Beyond his entertainment enterprises, he served as a Connecticut state legislator and as mayor of Bridgeport. His legacy as a businessman, entertainer, and author continues to influence American popular culture and business thinking, with The Art of Money Getting representing his distilled wisdom from a lifetime of entrepreneurial experience.
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