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“The Way to Wealth” is a short essay by Benjamin Franklin, first published in 1758, and later translated into many languages and reprinted in many countries.

About Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the US, was an author, a statesman, a revolutionary, author, a scientist, a firefighter, and chess master. He is a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and the US constitution.

“The Way to Wealth Summary”

“The Way to Wealth” discusses many different topics, such as idleness, procrastination, and trust.

For Franklin, time is golden. It is your most valuable possession.

Whatever time is given to you-you can never get back. So, spend it wisely.

Every day should be a step toward your goals. Do not waste your time by idly thinking about your dreams, since “he who lives upon hope will die to fast.”

Franklin advises people to rise early, to work hard. Activity, according to him, keeps you well and healthy.

Related to the topic of time is the problem with procrastination.

We all procrastinate, but it is essential that you tackle all your important tasks now, because you cannot foresee the future and the obstacles it may bring.

You have to understand that “one today is worth two tomorrows,” and live according to this wisdom.

Wasting your time worrying about your problems does nothing for you – only makes your issues grow.

Instead of just thinking about it, work hard, and everything will get resolved easier.

When you are not working, try to wake the feeling of shame within you, so it can always alarm you when you start procrastinating.

Procrastination is much more common when it comes to challenging tasks.

However, if you wait longer, it is not going to resolve itself. The more you slack off, the more work piles up.

So, tend to your task every day, and in the end, you will see excellent results.

In every job you do, you get to choose whether you are the mule or the plowman.

If you are a mule, someone guides you, if you are a plowman, you have to plow every single day.

Do what is yours to be done, and pay attention to your workers and what they do.

Show your authority and guide them in the right direction. Do not give unconditional trust, since trusting too much can destroy you.

So, keep your eye on the job and make sure you do not neglect any of its aspects.

Key Lessons from “The Way to Wealth”

1.      Work Hard and Use Time Wisely
2.      Early to Rise
3.      Attaining Leisure Time

Work Hard and Use Time Wisely

Spend time wisely. Make sure that every day is a step toward your goals.

Early to Rise

Wake up early and tackle your most important tasks. Stop procrastinating and spending your days idly.

Attaining Leisure Time

If you are a diligent worker, you will be able to finish your tasks efficiently and attain some leisure time. But even in your rest-period, do something useful.

Lazy people will always wish for this time and never truly get it.

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“The Way to Wealth” Quotes