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The Art of Getting Money
P.T Barnum is well known as one of the greatest promoters of all time and certainly best known for his circus. Perhaps one of the most iconic businessmen of his day, Barnum wrote several popular works that shine some light on the man behind the show. Often misquoted as having said "there’s a sucker born every minute," Barnum's legacy is actually one of philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. He’s considered by many to be one of the original masters of advertising.
In The Art of Money Getting (the original book) Barnum offered timeless advice and philosophy on money, work, and life. While the original is timeless in its application, it has been fully rewritten in modern language with many of the examples modernized and brought into context for the modern reader.
Of course, special care has been taken to preserve the original as much as possible. You’ll be amazed at how little has changed in over 100 years and perhaps refreshed to know that the wisdom that worked then, still works today. A wonderful short book or gift for anyone of any age. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed working on bringing this classic back to life.
A Book Within a Book
In addition to the updated words of P.T. Barnum you’ll also find commentary from co-author Nathan W. Morris at the end of each chapter. Each commentary is packed with stories, examples, clarification, and straight forward advice on careers and business that you can put into use right away.
"If anyone wants to read a great book on success and building wealth through the eyes of someone who’s done it, this is something you’ve GOT to read."- Brian K Wright, Success Profiles Radio Host, successprofilesradio.com
In The Art of Money Getting (the original book) Barnum offered timeless advice and philosophy on money, work, and life. While the original is timeless in its application, it has been fully rewritten in modern language with many of the examples modernized and brought into context for the modern reader.
Of course, special care has been taken to preserve the original as much as possible. You’ll be amazed at how little has changed in over 100 years and perhaps refreshed to know that the wisdom that worked then, still works today. A wonderful short book or gift for anyone of any age. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed working on bringing this classic back to life.
A Book Within a Book
In addition to the updated words of P.T. Barnum you’ll also find commentary from co-author Nathan W. Morris at the end of each chapter. Each commentary is packed with stories, examples, clarification, and straight forward advice on careers and business that you can put into use right away.
"If anyone wants to read a great book on success and building wealth through the eyes of someone who’s done it, this is something you’ve GOT to read."- Brian K Wright, Success Profiles Radio Host, successprofilesradio.com
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1880
700 people are currently reading
3668 people want to read
About the author
P.T. Barnum
172 books106 followersAmerican man Phineas Taylor Barnum established The Greatest Show on Earth in 1871; its major competition in 1881 merged to form the circus of James Anthony Bailey.
Phineas Taylor Barnum, a best remembered entertainer, promoted such celebrated hoaxes as the Feejee mermaid and founded later the Ringling brothers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._T._B...
Phineas Taylor Barnum, a best remembered entertainer, promoted such celebrated hoaxes as the Feejee mermaid and founded later the Ringling brothers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._T._B...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
November 27, 2017
Lovely book for a quick boost.
I Enjoyed listening to the golden rules while ironing!
I Enjoyed listening to the golden rules while ironing!
January 14, 2010
short book that contains universal and timeless principles of making money.
I like this part the most:
"Engage in one kind of business only, and stick to it faithfully until you succeed, or until your experience shows that you should abandon it. A constant hammering on one nail will generally drive it home at last, so that it can be clinched. When a man’s undivided attention is centered on one object, his mind will constantly be suggesting improvements of value, which would escape him if his brain was occupied by a dozen different subjects at once. Many a fortune has slipped through a man’s fingers because he was engaged in too many occupations at a time. There is good sense in the old caution against having too many irons in the fire at once."
I like this part the most:
"Engage in one kind of business only, and stick to it faithfully until you succeed, or until your experience shows that you should abandon it. A constant hammering on one nail will generally drive it home at last, so that it can be clinched. When a man’s undivided attention is centered on one object, his mind will constantly be suggesting improvements of value, which would escape him if his brain was occupied by a dozen different subjects at once. Many a fortune has slipped through a man’s fingers because he was engaged in too many occupations at a time. There is good sense in the old caution against having too many irons in the fire at once."
February 8, 2017
Plain talk and practical advice on securing capital, promissory notes, and a reliable team. Not one mention of his circus empire or political career.
Quotes :
-------
“It is the eyes of others and not our own eyes that ruin us. If all the world were blind except myself I should not care for fine clothes or furniture.” - Benjamin Franklin
“The foundation of success in life is good health. That is the substratum fortune. It is also the basis of happiness.”
“To make money requires a clear brain.”
“There is no class of people in the world to have such good memories as creditors.”
"How many have almost reached the goal of their ambition, but, losing faith in themselves, have relaxed their energies, and the golden prize has been lost forever."
"Work at it, if necessary, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now."
"Idleness breeds bad habits, and clothes a man in rags."
"A man buys his experience, and it is the best kind if not purchased at too dear a rate."
"The possession of a perfect knowledge of your business is an absolute necessity in order to insure success."
"You must exercise your caution in laying your plans, but be bold in carrying them out."
"If a man adopts the proper methods to be successful, luck will not prevent him."
"Go on in confidence, study the rules, and above all things, study human nature."
"As a nation, Americans are too superficial - they are striving to get rich quickly, and do not generally do their business as substantially and thoroughly as they should, but whoever excels all others in his own line, if his habits are good and his integrity undoubted, cannot fail to secure abundant patronage, and the wealth that naturally follows. Let your motto then always be "Excelsior," for by living up to it there is no such word as fail."
"Engage in one kind of business only, and stick to it faithfully until you succeed, or until your experience shows that you should abandon it. A constant hammering on one nail will generally drive it home at last, so that it can be clinched."
"Men should be systematic in their business. "
"Keep thoroughly posted in regard to the transactions of the world."
"If a man has plenty of money, he ought to invest something in everything that appears to promise success, and that will probably benefit mankind; but let the sums thus invested be moderate in amount, and never let a man foolishly jeopardize a fortune that he has earned in a legitimate way, by investing it in things in which he has had no experience."
"Those who deal with the public must be careful that their goods are valuable; that they are genuine, and will give satisfaction."
"Advertising is like learning—a little is a dangerous thing! The reader of a newspaper does not see the first mention of an ordinary advertisement; the second insertion he sees, but does not read; the third insertion he reads; the fourth insertion, he looks at the price; the fifth insertion, he speaks of it to his wife; the sixth insertion, he is ready to purchase, and the seventh insertion, he purchases. So a man who advertises at all must keep it up until the public know who and what he is, and what his business is, or else the money invested in advertising is lost."
"Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business."
"The man who gives the greatest amount of goods of a corresponding quality for the least sum (still reserving for himself a profit) will generally succeed best in the long run."
"Say nothing about your profits, your hopes, your expectations, your intentions… If you are losing money, be specially cautious and not tell of it, or you will lose your reputation."
"Preserve your integrity. It is more precious than diamonds or rubies."
"The public very properly shun all whose integrity is doubted."
"He that wants money, means, and content, is without three good friends.” - William Shakespeare
.
Quotes :
-------
“It is the eyes of others and not our own eyes that ruin us. If all the world were blind except myself I should not care for fine clothes or furniture.” - Benjamin Franklin
“The foundation of success in life is good health. That is the substratum fortune. It is also the basis of happiness.”
“To make money requires a clear brain.”
“There is no class of people in the world to have such good memories as creditors.”
"How many have almost reached the goal of their ambition, but, losing faith in themselves, have relaxed their energies, and the golden prize has been lost forever."
"Work at it, if necessary, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now."
"Idleness breeds bad habits, and clothes a man in rags."
"A man buys his experience, and it is the best kind if not purchased at too dear a rate."
"The possession of a perfect knowledge of your business is an absolute necessity in order to insure success."
"You must exercise your caution in laying your plans, but be bold in carrying them out."
"If a man adopts the proper methods to be successful, luck will not prevent him."
"Go on in confidence, study the rules, and above all things, study human nature."
"As a nation, Americans are too superficial - they are striving to get rich quickly, and do not generally do their business as substantially and thoroughly as they should, but whoever excels all others in his own line, if his habits are good and his integrity undoubted, cannot fail to secure abundant patronage, and the wealth that naturally follows. Let your motto then always be "Excelsior," for by living up to it there is no such word as fail."
"Engage in one kind of business only, and stick to it faithfully until you succeed, or until your experience shows that you should abandon it. A constant hammering on one nail will generally drive it home at last, so that it can be clinched."
"Men should be systematic in their business. "
"Keep thoroughly posted in regard to the transactions of the world."
"If a man has plenty of money, he ought to invest something in everything that appears to promise success, and that will probably benefit mankind; but let the sums thus invested be moderate in amount, and never let a man foolishly jeopardize a fortune that he has earned in a legitimate way, by investing it in things in which he has had no experience."
"Those who deal with the public must be careful that their goods are valuable; that they are genuine, and will give satisfaction."
"Advertising is like learning—a little is a dangerous thing! The reader of a newspaper does not see the first mention of an ordinary advertisement; the second insertion he sees, but does not read; the third insertion he reads; the fourth insertion, he looks at the price; the fifth insertion, he speaks of it to his wife; the sixth insertion, he is ready to purchase, and the seventh insertion, he purchases. So a man who advertises at all must keep it up until the public know who and what he is, and what his business is, or else the money invested in advertising is lost."
"Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business."
"The man who gives the greatest amount of goods of a corresponding quality for the least sum (still reserving for himself a profit) will generally succeed best in the long run."
"Say nothing about your profits, your hopes, your expectations, your intentions… If you are losing money, be specially cautious and not tell of it, or you will lose your reputation."
"Preserve your integrity. It is more precious than diamonds or rubies."
"The public very properly shun all whose integrity is doubted."
"He that wants money, means, and content, is without three good friends.” - William Shakespeare
.
February 21, 2023
This is an interesting book. About what I expected from it.
Read
July 16, 2015First things first. The title is an exaggeration of the content. You will not find any techniques or ideas for getting rich (assuming that's what you are looking to find); however, Barnum provides 20 rules for the development of character and for personal success.
In a nutshell: there are no shortcuts to wealth, aside from right vocation, good character, and perseverance - and don't forget to advertise.
Quotes:
"As a nation, Americans are too superficial - they are striving to get rich quickly, and do not generally do their business as substantially and thoroughly as they should, but whoever excels all others in his own line, if his habits are good and his integrity undoubted, cannot fail to secure abundant patronage, and the wealth that naturally follows."
"When you get an article which you know is going to please your customers, and that when they have tried it, they will feel they have got their money's worth, then let the fact be known that you have got it. Be careful to advertise it in some shape or other because it is evident that if a man has ever so good an article for sale, and nobody knows it, it will bring his no return."
In a nutshell: there are no shortcuts to wealth, aside from right vocation, good character, and perseverance - and don't forget to advertise.
Quotes:
"As a nation, Americans are too superficial - they are striving to get rich quickly, and do not generally do their business as substantially and thoroughly as they should, but whoever excels all others in his own line, if his habits are good and his integrity undoubted, cannot fail to secure abundant patronage, and the wealth that naturally follows."
"When you get an article which you know is going to please your customers, and that when they have tried it, they will feel they have got their money's worth, then let the fact be known that you have got it. Be careful to advertise it in some shape or other because it is evident that if a man has ever so good an article for sale, and nobody knows it, it will bring his no return."
September 10, 2018
Target audience: General public, people of all ages, except children.
About the author: Phineas Taylor Barnum was born on July 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut. He is an American writer and publisher. He was widely known as a philanthropist and a politician. At the age of 12, he displayed passionate about business by starting selling lottery tickets. He has written many books, and The Art of Getting Money is one of them. He was a great personality and personal purpose to place money in his own box.
Structure of the book: The book is divided in 21 small parts.
Overview: The book is a business model book of all time. Barnum emphasized that right vocation is the surest way of succeeding in business. This is obviously and strategically the first step in succeeding in the business world – the right vocation. Without finding the right vocation first, a man will just go around sporadically, without focus, and in such a setting, nothing can be achieved. Each person is born for a specific purpose, and the unexpected disparity between us suggests that people were made to do certain things that are different from others. Barnum explains that it is not enough just to do the work you love, but you must be careful where you do it; it is not advisable to commence a business where there are already enough to meet all demands in the same occupation.
Lots of people with brilliant minds and ideas to succeed in the business world have failed, because they were caught in the web of ‘debt’. Anyone aspiring for greater business oriented should avoid running into debt, because debt is like a trap. Instead of debt, people have to key to a perfect business is discipline and perseverance. While some people are born with the nature of weariness, laziness, and no perseverance, they can develop and nurture this trait.
In Barnum’s vision business industry requires technocrats, and it is good for anyone doing business to maintain them and provide them with the right conditions for them to work more efficiently. Learn something useful, let hope predominate and do not scatter your powers are another issues raised in the book. The writer encourages us to learn more about our profession, skills, and expertise; this will make it possible to become updated with present-day needs for running the business efficiently, in this ever-changing world that we live in.
Furthermore, Barnum Phineas added that one should be systematic in business, be cautious of outside operations and do not endorse without security. All these are part of qualities that makes businesses survive and flourish even in uncertain conditions.
Advertise your business is another point that the author reaffirmed. He observed that “We all depend, more or less, upon the public for our support and trading.” Doing business means dealing with different people with different diversity, and the best way to promote the business is offering them the best quality services at any given time.
Barnum Phineas concluded the book with a message of politeness to customers, charitableness and maintaining a sound integrity. With this book, one can be sure of running a successful business as long as the business adapts the principles stated therein.
Quote: “The safest plan and the one most sure of success for the young man starting in life, is to select the vocation which is most congenial to his tastes.”
Strong Points: It is a speedy read but solid information. It contains high-quality and realistic lessons on how to make money without fail. The truths in this book are timeless in the wisdom and understanding and remain valid irrespective of the business or idea anyone has in view. The book focuses, and full details on how one can run a successful business in any part of the world at any dispensation with strong points as The right vocation, Right location, Avoidance of debt, Perseverance, Using the best tools (Human Capital), Integrity, and Being Systematic.
Weak Points: There are several chapters which I think need more details. It seems like the book encourages someone to give all its resources and time in making money. It encourages someone to give his all preference to only money among all the things. It gives a perception that money is everything. The author implies that some can buy even happiness with money, which is totally wrong in my opinion. You cannot buy happiness with money you can only buy things with money not emotions.
About the author: Phineas Taylor Barnum was born on July 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut. He is an American writer and publisher. He was widely known as a philanthropist and a politician. At the age of 12, he displayed passionate about business by starting selling lottery tickets. He has written many books, and The Art of Getting Money is one of them. He was a great personality and personal purpose to place money in his own box.
Structure of the book: The book is divided in 21 small parts.
Overview: The book is a business model book of all time. Barnum emphasized that right vocation is the surest way of succeeding in business. This is obviously and strategically the first step in succeeding in the business world – the right vocation. Without finding the right vocation first, a man will just go around sporadically, without focus, and in such a setting, nothing can be achieved. Each person is born for a specific purpose, and the unexpected disparity between us suggests that people were made to do certain things that are different from others. Barnum explains that it is not enough just to do the work you love, but you must be careful where you do it; it is not advisable to commence a business where there are already enough to meet all demands in the same occupation.
Lots of people with brilliant minds and ideas to succeed in the business world have failed, because they were caught in the web of ‘debt’. Anyone aspiring for greater business oriented should avoid running into debt, because debt is like a trap. Instead of debt, people have to key to a perfect business is discipline and perseverance. While some people are born with the nature of weariness, laziness, and no perseverance, they can develop and nurture this trait.
In Barnum’s vision business industry requires technocrats, and it is good for anyone doing business to maintain them and provide them with the right conditions for them to work more efficiently. Learn something useful, let hope predominate and do not scatter your powers are another issues raised in the book. The writer encourages us to learn more about our profession, skills, and expertise; this will make it possible to become updated with present-day needs for running the business efficiently, in this ever-changing world that we live in.
Furthermore, Barnum Phineas added that one should be systematic in business, be cautious of outside operations and do not endorse without security. All these are part of qualities that makes businesses survive and flourish even in uncertain conditions.
Advertise your business is another point that the author reaffirmed. He observed that “We all depend, more or less, upon the public for our support and trading.” Doing business means dealing with different people with different diversity, and the best way to promote the business is offering them the best quality services at any given time.
Barnum Phineas concluded the book with a message of politeness to customers, charitableness and maintaining a sound integrity. With this book, one can be sure of running a successful business as long as the business adapts the principles stated therein.
Quote: “The safest plan and the one most sure of success for the young man starting in life, is to select the vocation which is most congenial to his tastes.”
Strong Points: It is a speedy read but solid information. It contains high-quality and realistic lessons on how to make money without fail. The truths in this book are timeless in the wisdom and understanding and remain valid irrespective of the business or idea anyone has in view. The book focuses, and full details on how one can run a successful business in any part of the world at any dispensation with strong points as The right vocation, Right location, Avoidance of debt, Perseverance, Using the best tools (Human Capital), Integrity, and Being Systematic.
Weak Points: There are several chapters which I think need more details. It seems like the book encourages someone to give all its resources and time in making money. It encourages someone to give his all preference to only money among all the things. It gives a perception that money is everything. The author implies that some can buy even happiness with money, which is totally wrong in my opinion. You cannot buy happiness with money you can only buy things with money not emotions.
April 17, 2019
This book won't make you rich, but there are worse ways to spend an hour. Quick read with a few good nuggets.
-Spend less than you make
-Avoid debt, particularly consumer debt
-Don't worry about what other people buy, possess, or desire
-Don't be a drunk
-Save and earn interest on your money
-Don't be lazy
-Don't start a business on borrowed money
-Be systematic and disciplined
-Focus on one job at a time (avoid "too many irons in the fire")
-Read the newspaper
-Don't lend money frivolously
-Give with intention, specifically choosing to help those who are helping themselves
-Be private - don't blab about financial successes or failures
-Use business and money to better the human race
Favorite quote:
"WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT Work at it, if necessary, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now. The old proverb is full of truth and meaning, "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." Many a man acquires a fortune by doing his business thoroughly, while his neighbor remains poor for life, because he only half does it. Ambition, energy, industry, perseverance, are indispensable requisites for success in business. Fortune always favors the brave, and never helps a man who does not help himself."
-Spend less than you make
-Avoid debt, particularly consumer debt
-Don't worry about what other people buy, possess, or desire
-Don't be a drunk
-Save and earn interest on your money
-Don't be lazy
-Don't start a business on borrowed money
-Be systematic and disciplined
-Focus on one job at a time (avoid "too many irons in the fire")
-Read the newspaper
-Don't lend money frivolously
-Give with intention, specifically choosing to help those who are helping themselves
-Be private - don't blab about financial successes or failures
-Use business and money to better the human race
Favorite quote:
"WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT Work at it, if necessary, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now. The old proverb is full of truth and meaning, "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." Many a man acquires a fortune by doing his business thoroughly, while his neighbor remains poor for life, because he only half does it. Ambition, energy, industry, perseverance, are indispensable requisites for success in business. Fortune always favors the brave, and never helps a man who does not help himself."
November 19, 2022
سبحان الله! الكتاب تم نشره في 1880م، و مع ذلك فإن النصائح و الأفكار فيه معاصرة و تناسب وقتنا الحالي، و كأن الكاتب اختلس نظرة إلى المستقبل قبل كتابة هذا ا��كتاب... استمعت إليه بشكل سريع، و بإذن الله المرة التالية سأضيف مراجعة تختصر محتوى الكتاب.
YouTube channel: " Audio Books "
YouTube channel: " Audio Books "
September 6, 2018
Solid financial, business, and life advice.
I think the only negative critique I have of Barnum's book is simply that he somewhat dismisses the possibility of being in poverty (or at least not wealthy) merely out of happenstance. Barnum seems to believe that practicing good wisdom with money and business will inevitably lead to wealth. But this is certainly not always the case. And it really shouldn't even be the goal, anyway.
Nevertheless, even if he errs somewhat when it comes to the goal, he does give very good, practical advice. Very easy to read and follow, and although much of it should be common sense, much of it is not commonly followed. I was certainly challenged by it.
I think the only negative critique I have of Barnum's book is simply that he somewhat dismisses the possibility of being in poverty (or at least not wealthy) merely out of happenstance. Barnum seems to believe that practicing good wisdom with money and business will inevitably lead to wealth. But this is certainly not always the case. And it really shouldn't even be the goal, anyway.
Nevertheless, even if he errs somewhat when it comes to the goal, he does give very good, practical advice. Very easy to read and follow, and although much of it should be common sense, much of it is not commonly followed. I was certainly challenged by it.
November 30, 2023
This very short book (48 pages) written in 1880 contains advice that works today. It seems more like life guidance, rather than rules for making money. Barnum includes suggestions like: watch your health, work hard, learn one vocation well....It's the sort of counsel we've all heard before.
January 30, 2017
A very quick read, and one that although it is from over 100 years ago... it still holds true. there is a lot of sage wisdom contained in this book - especially with pertaining to debt and why you shouldnt get yourself into it. it almost makes the book shine, given the current debt situation we find ourselves in.
perhaps a book like this - short and to the point with a lot of general advice on how to handle your money - should be something of required reading.
perhaps a book like this - short and to the point with a lot of general advice on how to handle your money - should be something of required reading.
March 10, 2023
I downloaded this full intending to laugh at the old outdated advice but he actually had some solid quotes and excellent writing.
March 9, 2022
Another short freebie from Amazon for Kindle.
Picture Suzie Orman in 1880.
Not what you were picturing? Even back then PT was telling people not to counter sign any loans.
Just goes to show that all the basics of finance have been around forever, and we didn't need anyone to "approve" or "deny" any purchases. As I get older, I have to agree with PT--"The foundation of success in life is good health...he cannot accumulate a fortune very well when he is sick."
You'd think that he would have used a better word than "money-getting", though. There's profits, gains, success or rewards.
This quote was *not* in the book
Picture Suzie Orman in 1880.
Not what you were picturing? Even back then PT was telling people not to counter sign any loans.
Just goes to show that all the basics of finance have been around forever, and we didn't need anyone to "approve" or "deny" any purchases. As I get older, I have to agree with PT--"The foundation of success in life is good health...he cannot accumulate a fortune very well when he is sick."
You'd think that he would have used a better word than "money-getting", though. There's profits, gains, success or rewards.
This quote was *not* in the book
December 23, 2021
Sage advice.
May 3, 2023
Short but filled with still relevant common sense money wisdom. Spend less than you earn, don't spend to keep up with fashions, use credit very rarely, etcetera.
Timeless financial wisdom for beginners from the master who understood keenly that a fool and his money are soon parted. No razzle dazzle stagecraft, no tricks or cons, just usable advice to earn and save money.
Timeless financial wisdom for beginners from the master who understood keenly that a fool and his money are soon parted. No razzle dazzle stagecraft, no tricks or cons, just usable advice to earn and save money.
March 11, 2015
A college class introduced P.T. Barnum, America's Greatest Showman, to me and it was fun to discover that he had written this quaint little book with suggestions on how to make money. "Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business." Despite the age of this book, that and many other suggestions hold true today.
March 2, 2025
While author P.T. Barnum is certainly most famous for founding one half of The Greatest Show on Earth - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus - and is oft criticized for his involvement with "freak shows", it is less often noted that he was a very successful businessman and philanthropist who prioritized honesty and customer value above all else. He also believed that anyone, from any circumstance, could be successful if they only conducted their business following a number of simple rules. In this short pamphlet he iterates these rules and gives commentary and examples in very common-sense terms.
This is such a quick and easy read, yet the knowledge contained within is immense both in quantity and value! Required reading for anyone conducting any kind of business, and honestly for anyone looking for guidance in any matter whatsoever.
This is such a quick and easy read, yet the knowledge contained within is immense both in quantity and value! Required reading for anyone conducting any kind of business, and honestly for anyone looking for guidance in any matter whatsoever.
April 30, 2025
I’m currently into books written before 1970, and this one was a great recommendation from ChatGPT. It’s packed with timeless principles; like the foundation for all the newer money books, but without all the fluff. It goes straight to the point, which I loved. It’s a short, easy read, and because it’s an older book, it’s super affordable. Highly recommend it!
March 17, 2021
Surprisingly I liked this a lot. I usually hate these "business self help" genre. But this had like an old timey feel while still having quick and engaging lessons. Obviously it's outdated and stuff, but it was still interesting to hear someone talk about "newspaper advertising in the steam age."
July 24, 2022
Simple and straightforward.
February 4, 2025
A pleasant and quick book to read; this is Barnum's attempt to be a late 19th Century Benjamin Franklin (who he quotes frequently), providing inspirational and pity advice to a general audience.
I was surprised, though, that Barnum doesn't mention much of his own work experience throughout.
I was surprised, though, that Barnum doesn't mention much of his own work experience throughout.
June 13, 2018
a 100+ year old book on money making, still relevant as ever and nice to see it's full of encouraging positive morals and integrity while doing so.
February 22, 2023
"The whole philosophy of life is, first "sow," then "reap." That is the way the farmer does; he plants his potatoes and corn, and sows his grain, and then goes about something else, and the time comes when he reaps. But he never reaps first and sows afterwards. This principle applies to all kinds of business, and to nothing more eminently than to advertising. If a man has a genuine article, there is no way in which he can reap more advantageously than by "sowing" to the public in this way. He must, of course, have a really good article, and one which will please his customers; anything spurious will not succeed permanently because the public is wiser than many imagine. Men and women are selfish, and we all prefer purchasing where we can get the most for our money and we try to find out where we can most surely do so."
The public very properly shun all whose integrity is doubted. No matter how polite and pleasant and accommodating a man may be, none of us dare to deal with him if we suspect "false weights and measures." Strict honesty, not only lies at the foundation of all success in life (financially), but in every other respect. Uncompromising integrity of character is invaluable. It secures to its possessor a peace and joy which cannot be attained without it—which no amount of money, or houses and lands can purchase. A man who is known to be strictly honest, may be ever so poor, but he has the purses of all the community at his disposal—for all know that if he promises to return what he borrows, he will never disappoint them. As a mere matter of selfishness, therefore, if a man had no higher motive for being honest, all will find that the maxim of Dr. Franklin can never fail to be true, that "honesty is the best policy.""
"There are many rich poor men," while there are many others, honest and devout men and women, who have never possessed so much money as some rich persons squander in a week, but who are nevertheless really richer and happier than any man can ever be while he is a transgressor of the higher laws of his being."
LET HOPE PREDOMINATE, BUT BE NOT TOO VISIONARY
Many persons are always kept poor, because they are too visionary. Every project looks to them like certain success, and therefore they keep changing from one business to another, always in hot water, always "under the harrow." The plan of "counting the chickens before they are hatched" is an error of ancient date, but it does not seem to improve by age."
"Solomon truly said "he that hateth suretiship is sure."
So with the young man starting in business; let him understand the value of money by earning it. When he does understand its value, then grease the wheels a little in helping him to start business, but remember, men who get money with too great facility cannot usually succeed. You must get the first dollars by hard knocks, and at some sacrifice, in order to appreciate the value of those dollars."
The basement is much crowded, but there is plenty of room up-stairs," was the witty and truthful reply.
No profession, trade, or calling, is overcrowded in the upper story. Wherever you find the most honest and intelligent merchant or banker, or the best lawyer, the best doctor, the best clergyman, the best shoemaker, carpenter, or anything else, that man is most sought for, and has always enough to do. As a nation, Americans are too superficial—they are striving to get rich quickly, and do not generally do their business as substantially and thoroughly as they should, but whoever excels all others in his own line, if his habits are good and his integrity undoubted, cannot fail to secure abundant patronage, and the wealth that naturally follows. Let your motto then always be "Excelsior," for by living up to it there is no such word as fail.
"If a man has plenty of money, he ought to invest something in everything that appears to promise success, and that will probably benefit mankind; but let the sums thus invested be moderate in amount, and never let a man foolishly jeopardize a fortune that he has earned in a legitimate way, by investing it in things in which he has had no experience."
I hold that no man ought ever to indorse a note or become security, for any man, be it his father or brother, to a greater extent than he can afford to lose and care nothing about, without taking good security. Here is a man that is worth twenty thousand dollars; he is doing a thriving manufacturing or mercantile trade; you are retired and living on your money; he comes to you and says:
"You are aware that I am worth twenty thousand dollars, and don't owe a dollar; if I had five thousand dollars in cash, I could purchase a particular lot of goods and double my money in a couple of months; will you indorse my note for that amount.
Say nothing about your profits, your hopes, your expectations, your intentions. And this should apply to letters as well as to conversation. Goethe makes Mephistophilles say: "Never write a letter nor destroy one." Business men must write letters, but they should be careful what they put in them. If you are losing money, be specially cautious and not tell of it, or you will lose your reputation."
"Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business. Large stores, gilt signs, flaming advertisements, will all prove unavailing if you or your employees treat your patrons abruptly. The truth is, the more kind and liberal a man is, the more generous will be the patronage bestowed upon him. "Like begets like." The man who gives the greatest amount of goods of a corresponding quality for the least sum (still reserving for himself a profit) will generally succeed best in the long run. This brings us to the golden rule, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them" and they will do better by you than if you always treated them as if you wanted to get the most you could out of them for the least return. Men who drive sharp bargains with their customers, acting as if they never expected to see them again, will not be mistaken. They will never see them again as cus
DO NOT SCATTER YOUR POWERS
Engage in one kind of business only, and stick to it faithfully until you succeed, or until your experience shows that you should abandon it. A constant hammering on one nail will generally drive it home at last, so that it can be clinched. When a man's undivided attention is centered on one object, his mind will constantly be suggesting improvements of value, which would escape him if his brain was occupied by a dozen different subjects at once. Many a fortune has slipped through a man's fingers because he was engaged in too many occupations at a time. There is good sense in the old caution against having too many irons in the fire at once."
Promiscuous almsgiving, without inquiring into the worthiness of the applicant, is bad in every sense. But to search out and quietly assist those who are struggling for themselves, is the kind that "scattereth and yet increaseth." But don't fall into the idea that some persons practice, of giving a prayer instead of a potato, and a benediction instead of bread, to the hungry. It is easier to make Christians with full stomachs than empty."
"To get rich, is not always equivalent to being successful. "There are many rich poor men," while there are many others, honest and devout men and women, who have never possessed so much money as some rich persons squander in a week, but who are nevertheless really richer and happier than any man can ever be while he is a transgressor of the higher laws of his being.
The inordinate love of money, no doubt, may be and is "the root of all evil," but money itself, when properly used, is not only a "handy thing to have in the house," but affords the gratification of blessing our race by enabling its possessor to enlarge the scope of human happiness and human influence. The desire for wealth is nearly universal, and none can say it is not laudable, provided the possessor of it accepts its responsibilities, and uses it as a friend to humanity."
The public very properly shun all whose integrity is doubted. No matter how polite and pleasant and accommodating a man may be, none of us dare to deal with him if we suspect "false weights and measures." Strict honesty, not only lies at the foundation of all success in life (financially), but in every other respect. Uncompromising integrity of character is invaluable. It secures to its possessor a peace and joy which cannot be attained without it—which no amount of money, or houses and lands can purchase. A man who is known to be strictly honest, may be ever so poor, but he has the purses of all the community at his disposal—for all know that if he promises to return what he borrows, he will never disappoint them. As a mere matter of selfishness, therefore, if a man had no higher motive for being honest, all will find that the maxim of Dr. Franklin can never fail to be true, that "honesty is the best policy.""
"There are many rich poor men," while there are many others, honest and devout men and women, who have never possessed so much money as some rich persons squander in a week, but who are nevertheless really richer and happier than any man can ever be while he is a transgressor of the higher laws of his being."
LET HOPE PREDOMINATE, BUT BE NOT TOO VISIONARY
Many persons are always kept poor, because they are too visionary. Every project looks to them like certain success, and therefore they keep changing from one business to another, always in hot water, always "under the harrow." The plan of "counting the chickens before they are hatched" is an error of ancient date, but it does not seem to improve by age."
"Solomon truly said "he that hateth suretiship is sure."
So with the young man starting in business; let him understand the value of money by earning it. When he does understand its value, then grease the wheels a little in helping him to start business, but remember, men who get money with too great facility cannot usually succeed. You must get the first dollars by hard knocks, and at some sacrifice, in order to appreciate the value of those dollars."
The basement is much crowded, but there is plenty of room up-stairs," was the witty and truthful reply.
No profession, trade, or calling, is overcrowded in the upper story. Wherever you find the most honest and intelligent merchant or banker, or the best lawyer, the best doctor, the best clergyman, the best shoemaker, carpenter, or anything else, that man is most sought for, and has always enough to do. As a nation, Americans are too superficial—they are striving to get rich quickly, and do not generally do their business as substantially and thoroughly as they should, but whoever excels all others in his own line, if his habits are good and his integrity undoubted, cannot fail to secure abundant patronage, and the wealth that naturally follows. Let your motto then always be "Excelsior," for by living up to it there is no such word as fail.
"If a man has plenty of money, he ought to invest something in everything that appears to promise success, and that will probably benefit mankind; but let the sums thus invested be moderate in amount, and never let a man foolishly jeopardize a fortune that he has earned in a legitimate way, by investing it in things in which he has had no experience."
I hold that no man ought ever to indorse a note or become security, for any man, be it his father or brother, to a greater extent than he can afford to lose and care nothing about, without taking good security. Here is a man that is worth twenty thousand dollars; he is doing a thriving manufacturing or mercantile trade; you are retired and living on your money; he comes to you and says:
"You are aware that I am worth twenty thousand dollars, and don't owe a dollar; if I had five thousand dollars in cash, I could purchase a particular lot of goods and double my money in a couple of months; will you indorse my note for that amount.
Say nothing about your profits, your hopes, your expectations, your intentions. And this should apply to letters as well as to conversation. Goethe makes Mephistophilles say: "Never write a letter nor destroy one." Business men must write letters, but they should be careful what they put in them. If you are losing money, be specially cautious and not tell of it, or you will lose your reputation."
"Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business. Large stores, gilt signs, flaming advertisements, will all prove unavailing if you or your employees treat your patrons abruptly. The truth is, the more kind and liberal a man is, the more generous will be the patronage bestowed upon him. "Like begets like." The man who gives the greatest amount of goods of a corresponding quality for the least sum (still reserving for himself a profit) will generally succeed best in the long run. This brings us to the golden rule, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them" and they will do better by you than if you always treated them as if you wanted to get the most you could out of them for the least return. Men who drive sharp bargains with their customers, acting as if they never expected to see them again, will not be mistaken. They will never see them again as cus
DO NOT SCATTER YOUR POWERS
Engage in one kind of business only, and stick to it faithfully until you succeed, or until your experience shows that you should abandon it. A constant hammering on one nail will generally drive it home at last, so that it can be clinched. When a man's undivided attention is centered on one object, his mind will constantly be suggesting improvements of value, which would escape him if his brain was occupied by a dozen different subjects at once. Many a fortune has slipped through a man's fingers because he was engaged in too many occupations at a time. There is good sense in the old caution against having too many irons in the fire at once."
Promiscuous almsgiving, without inquiring into the worthiness of the applicant, is bad in every sense. But to search out and quietly assist those who are struggling for themselves, is the kind that "scattereth and yet increaseth." But don't fall into the idea that some persons practice, of giving a prayer instead of a potato, and a benediction instead of bread, to the hungry. It is easier to make Christians with full stomachs than empty."
"To get rich, is not always equivalent to being successful. "There are many rich poor men," while there are many others, honest and devout men and women, who have never possessed so much money as some rich persons squander in a week, but who are nevertheless really richer and happier than any man can ever be while he is a transgressor of the higher laws of his being.
The inordinate love of money, no doubt, may be and is "the root of all evil," but money itself, when properly used, is not only a "handy thing to have in the house," but affords the gratification of blessing our race by enabling its possessor to enlarge the scope of human happiness and human influence. The desire for wealth is nearly universal, and none can say it is not laudable, provided the possessor of it accepts its responsibilities, and uses it as a friend to humanity."
April 9, 2018
I enjoyed reading P.T. Barnum's "The Art of Money Getting: Golden Rules for Making Money." Barnum mentions 20 different methods for making money, but one of my favorite parts about reading this book was that he mentions ways to keep the money you have made and how to continue being successful with it. I think the book acts as a guide for individual growth. Barnum creates a lot of interpretation for deeper meaning with some of the quotes he mentions, making the story more significant.
Although this book was written in the 1800s, the techniques mentioned by Barnum are timeless. He created a basis of knowledge and as time has continued, technology and knowledge has allowed them to evolve. For example, one of the methods mentioned in the beginning of the novel was to gather pieces of paper and write your expenses for that day down on the sheet of paper. You would continue to do this for the week, and then ultimately make it a daily routine. This method has been enhanced with the help of technology, specifically with PNC's Virtual Wallet. They offer an app and easy-to-use online banking, making expenses easy to track.
Barnum mentions a story about a hostess buying candles, and this story was an example of opportunity cost. The hostess wanted to buy the candles so she could read at night, so the knowledge gained from reading is more significant than the expense of the candles.
Overall, I enjoyed that Barnum included quotes throughout the story, making the read a little more rememberable and enjoyable. One of the quotes I liked was “To make money requires a clear brain” and "So in regard to wealth. Go on in confidence, study the rules, and above all things, study human nature”. As a psychology minor who enjoys psychology, the study of human nature is very intriguing to me, and I think it plays a key role in the success of businesses, today, that is often forgotten about. Understanding why we do what we do, buy what we buy, shop where we shop, etc., acts like a secret formula to success in the economy. Another quote that I liked was "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." While building success, you cannot get complacent and you cannot be lazy, where success take a lot of dedication and hard work. Overall, although the methods mentioned in this book were redundant, obvious, and outdated, they're timeless and useful reminders that we sometimes need.
Although this book was written in the 1800s, the techniques mentioned by Barnum are timeless. He created a basis of knowledge and as time has continued, technology and knowledge has allowed them to evolve. For example, one of the methods mentioned in the beginning of the novel was to gather pieces of paper and write your expenses for that day down on the sheet of paper. You would continue to do this for the week, and then ultimately make it a daily routine. This method has been enhanced with the help of technology, specifically with PNC's Virtual Wallet. They offer an app and easy-to-use online banking, making expenses easy to track.
Barnum mentions a story about a hostess buying candles, and this story was an example of opportunity cost. The hostess wanted to buy the candles so she could read at night, so the knowledge gained from reading is more significant than the expense of the candles.
Overall, I enjoyed that Barnum included quotes throughout the story, making the read a little more rememberable and enjoyable. One of the quotes I liked was “To make money requires a clear brain” and "So in regard to wealth. Go on in confidence, study the rules, and above all things, study human nature”. As a psychology minor who enjoys psychology, the study of human nature is very intriguing to me, and I think it plays a key role in the success of businesses, today, that is often forgotten about. Understanding why we do what we do, buy what we buy, shop where we shop, etc., acts like a secret formula to success in the economy. Another quote that I liked was "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." While building success, you cannot get complacent and you cannot be lazy, where success take a lot of dedication and hard work. Overall, although the methods mentioned in this book were redundant, obvious, and outdated, they're timeless and useful reminders that we sometimes need.
February 8, 2024
هناك ثلاث كتب اجنبية فى ادبيات المال و الثروة .من الكلاسيكيات
أغنى رجل فى بابل
هذا أول كتاب منهم أرشحه للقراءة طبعا
و هناك كتاب جديد يسهب و يفسر افكاره على معطيات العصر الحديث
George S. Clason's "The Richest Man in Babylon": A 52 Brilliant Ideas Interpretation
The Way to Wealth: Advice, Hints, and Tips on Business, Money, and Finance
كتاب بنجامين فرانكلين ..الراجل اللى على الدولار الامريكي بصفته عالم و سياسي و مؤرخ
و هناك ايضا كتاب حديث يفسر افكاره طبقا لمعطيات العصر الحديث
الطريق الى الثروة شرح : ٥٢ فكرة رائعة بواسطة ستيف شيبسايد ل ستيف تشيبسايد
و هذا الكتاب
The Art of Money Getting; Or, Golden Rules for Making Money
لـ بي .تي. بارنوم هو في عصره كان اغني الرجال فى امريكا و كون ثروته من العروض و السيرك
..الترفيه باختصار
هو اقل الكتاب الكلاسيكية الذي قد اقترحه عليك
هو ادبي جدا ..مختصر جدا ...عام جدا ...كلام يميل اكثر للتنمية البشرية "قبل ان تظهر بعقود"..اكثر منه كلام عن المال
لو لي ان اقترح عليك عزيزي قاريء الريفيو
كتاب يعوض عنك
Stop Acting Rich: ...And Start Living Like A Real Millionaire
The Millionaire Mind
هي كتب تسهب وب الاحصائيات و الشرح
ما اجمله هذا الكتاب تلخصيا بشكل ادبي
ملخص الكتاب
الكتاب القادم : لماذا الشوكة لا مذاق لها؟ كتاب تبسيط علوم مترجم
أغنى رجل فى بابل
هذا أول كتاب منهم أرشحه للقراءة طبعا
و هناك كتاب جديد يسهب و يفسر افكاره على معطيات العصر الحديث
George S. Clason's "The Richest Man in Babylon": A 52 Brilliant Ideas Interpretation
The Way to Wealth: Advice, Hints, and Tips on Business, Money, and Finance
كتاب بنجامين فرانكلين ..الراجل اللى على الدولار الامريكي بصفته عالم و سياسي و مؤرخ
و هناك ايضا كتاب حديث يفسر افكاره طبقا لمعطيات العصر الحديث
الطريق الى الثروة شرح : ٥٢ فكرة رائعة بواسطة ستيف شيبسايد ل ستيف تشيبسايد
و هذا الكتاب
The Art of Money Getting; Or, Golden Rules for Making Money
لـ بي .تي. بارنوم هو في عصره كان اغني الرجال فى امريكا و كون ثروته من العروض و السيرك
..الترفيه باختصار
هو اقل الكتاب الكلاسيكية الذي قد اقترحه عليك
هو ادبي جدا ..مختصر جدا ...عام جدا ...كلام يميل اكثر للتنمية البشرية "قبل ان تظهر بعقود"..اكثر منه كلام عن المال
لو لي ان اقترح عليك عزيزي قاريء الريفيو
كتاب يعوض عنك
Stop Acting Rich: ...And Start Living Like A Real Millionaire
The Millionaire Mind
هي كتب تسهب وب الاحصائيات و الشرح
ما اجمله هذا الكتاب تلخصيا بشكل ادبي
ملخص الكتاب
الكتاب القادم : لماذا الشوكة لا مذاق لها؟ كتاب تبسيط علوم مترجم
May 9, 2012
Very short book published in 2005, as a free book or pamphlet. Good rule to live by including spending less than you make, to not partake of tobacco or alcohol, one is addictive and makes you look bad and you miss out on great foods to eat, and the other makes you thick in the head. Many other rules to live by. Barnum lived from 1810-1891, so this was published before the turn of the century.
July 6, 2012
This is a book that everyone should read, especially those who are going into business. It advises the reader to be a person of integrity, don't be greedy, advertise, sow and then you reap, and don't try quick methods of getting rich.
May 10, 2017
Surprisingly sound and useful advice, considering who it's from. Also very concise.
September 2, 2020
Happy I finished the book in 12 min. However, 12 min I will never get back. Interesting perspective on the art of making money in the 1880s.
February 4, 2022
For a book written 142 years ago, most of Mr. Barnum's nuggets of business wisdom still ring true. This little book has a lot of value.
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