The Secret Of Wealth

Many of America's well known millionaires exercise in the roaring of their children the same keen knowledge of human nature, and the same clear judgment which has enabled them to acquire their fortunes. Those who have fought their way to prosperity through hard work, industry and common sense know full well that nothing is so valuable to a young man as to be forced to endure the hard knocks of the world.

It is told of Russell Sage that he said: "Let a boy know that he is going to be rich when he grows up, and in nine cases out of ten he will turn out worthless.''

Cecil Rhodes, the man whose life was spent in exhausting work in the jungles of Africa, building the "Cape to Cairo" railroad, laboring unceasingly, although vast millions were at his command for idleness and pleasure--here is what he said of how children should be reared:

'' No man should leave money to his children. It is a curse to them. What we should do for our children, if we would do them the best service we can, is to give them the best education we can procure for them, and then turn them loose in the world without a sixpence for themselves. What happens when you leave them a fortune? They "no longer have a spur to effort."

We all must pay today for what we will be tomorrow. The world always collects in advance for any honors, any comforts, or any dignities which it bestows. Sacrifice something now, and be purchasing your Ambition--whether that Ambition be wealth, content, influence, or freedom from care. If saving money for the sake of having a bank account is not a strong enough inducement to you and to your wife and boys and girls, then try the plan of saving for some special purpose, to gratify some long-felt wish. Perhaps it is an automobile--then pick out the kind of automobile you all want, and all begin saving your money for it. Anticipation makes a journey short; and the automobile fund will be ready almost before you know it. Perhaps then you will put it into a glittering car--and perhaps you will keep it as your own private harbor in which your little family ship can find refuge and ride safely through an unexpected storm.

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