Money-making men; or, how to grow rich

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

62268

Title

Money-making men; or, how to grow rich

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

J. Ewing Ritchie's Victorian guide to wealth reveals how ordinary tradesmen, temperance advocates, and shrewd publishers amassed fortunes through frugality, industry, and simple business principles. Blending anecdotes with moral instruction, the book champions thrift over speculation and offers practical advice for growing rich in the City.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Money-making Men; or, How to Grow Rich*, J. Ewing Ritchie presents a Victorian-era guide to financial success, arguing that wealth is not a matter of luck or birth but the result of integrity, perseverance, and disciplined administration. The text opens by critiquing the mercenary nature of city life, contrasting the inevitable failures of speculators and the idle with the steady success of those who adhere to simple, proven rules. Ritchie highlights the 'Napoleon of Shopkeepers,' James Morrison, who built a vast empire by prioritizing quick returns over high profits and employing buyers rather than salesmen. Similarly, the narrative credits Sir John Bowring's associate with attributing his fortune to a keen understanding of market psychology and avoiding association with 'unlucky men.' A central theme of the work is the temperance movement. Ritchie illustrates how abstinence from alcohol allowed men like Mr. M'Currey and David Davies to accumulate capital. M'Currey's story details his rise from a journeyman to a builder who, despite facing political commotion and financial crises, secured a major contract through his sobriety and moral character. His son and converts also found prosperity through teetotalism. The text further details the rise of publishing tycoon John Cassell, who started with merely twopence-halfpenny, emphasizing that a good wife and domestic economy are vital assets in the battle of life. Throughout the book, Ritchie emphasizes that true prosperity requires avoiding debt, resisting extravagance, and maintaining a sober, industrious character. He critiques the credit system and the modern tendency toward waste, noting that while industry is common, thrift is lacking. The work concludes with a strong moral imperative: success is an art accessible to anyone who lives within their income, sells goods with increasing demand, and cultivates a wise, frugal mindset. Ritchie asserts that while a fool may make money, only a wise man can keep it, urging readers to build a fortune through hard work and careful management rather than speculative adventures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography