Way to Wealth

Written by Benjamin Franklin

Narrated by Kent McKamy

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".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ascent Audio
• Release date: May 4, 2011
• ISBN: 9781596591547

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American writer, printer, politician, postmaster, scientist, and diplomat. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin found success at a young age as editor and printer of the Pennsylvania Gazette, a prominent Philadelphia newspaper. From 1732 to 1758, Franklin published Poor Richard’s Almanack, a popular yearly pamphlet that earned Franklin much of his wealth. An influential Philadelphian, Franklin founded the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which would become the University of Pennsylvania, in 1751. In addition, Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, as well as the city’s first fire department. As revolutionary sentiment was on the rise in the thirteen colonies, Franklin traveled to London to advocate on behalf of Americans unhappy with British rule, earning a reputation as a skilled diplomat and shrewd negotiator. During the American Revolution, his relationships with French officials would prove essential for the war effort, the success of which depended upon munitions shipments from France. Over the next few decades, he would serve as the first postmaster general of the United States and as governor of Pennsylvania while maintaining his diplomatic duties. A dedicated and innovative scientist, Franklin is credited with important discoveries regarding the nature of electricity, as well as with inventing the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. A slaveowner for many years, Franklin eventually became an abolitionist. Although he failed to raise the issue during the 1787 Constitutional Convention, he led the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society and wrote essays on the subject of slavery, which he deemed “an atrocious debasement of human nature.”

Reviews for Way to Wealth

[casy vina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Will always reread it. Love it everlasting , very good book

[criticalnes · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Ugh, I just wanted him to shut the fuck up about Poor Richard, jfc. I eye-rolled so hard my eyes almost displaced itself, smh. It's just really annoying for the whole thing to just be QUOTES of other people (Poor Richard is Franklin's pseud which makes it all the most grating UUUGH!!).
Bleh.

[Roy Kamau · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read. Reflect. Replay. Unbelievably dynamite. The wisdom within this book is rather lifechanging.