It makes one look at human nature in the only realistic way possible. People are naive and put on a great show that they are not.
That's why I collect wise sayings from the past.
I put together this list of rare ones I found in a 140 year old business book. But there's a book called A Handbook of Illustrated Proverbs you can find online that has a lot of rare ones also.
SAYINGS FROM “THE BUSINESS GUIDE;
OR Safe Methods of Business”
BY J. L. NICHOLS, A. M.,
(Published from 1886 to 1907)
THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM UPSTAIRS
CONSCIENCE IS THE BEST FRIEND WE CAN FIND
HAVE PRINCIPLES LIKE OAK
DILIGENCE IS THE MOTHER OF GOOD LUCK
NO PAINS, NO GAINS
NO SWEAT NO SWEET
SLOTH IS THE KEY OF POVERTY
WORK AND THOU SHALT HAVE
HE WHO WILL NOT WORK SHALL NOT EAT
A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED
STRIKE THE IRON WHILE IT IS HOT IT MAKES THE SPARKS FLY
THE SECRET OF SUCCESS IS CONSTANCY OF PURPOSE
ENTHUSIASM CONQUERS THE IMPOSSIBLE
LEARNING IS WEALTH TO THE POOR
THE BUILDING THAT NEEDS PROPS IS SURE TO FALL
SKILL, NOT LUCK, LEADS TO FORTUNE
A RIGHT START IN LIFE IS A CAREER HALF MADE
FAILURE MAY BE THE STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS
EDUCATION IS CAPITAL INVESTED FOR THE FUTURE
PERSEVERANCE REMOVES MOUNTAINS OR TUNNELS THEM
MAXIMS ARE THE CONDENSED GOOD SENSE OF NATIONS
GOOD LUCK COMES TO THE MAN THAT EARNS IT
NO MAN CAN LOUNGE INTO SUCCESS
THERE IS NO FAILURE FOR THE GOOD AND THE WISE
CHARACTER SECURES RESPECT
A MAN PASSES FOR WHAT HE IS WORTH
DON'T AIM AT TALENT YOU HAVE NOT
CULTIVATE THE TALENTS YOU HAVE
SUCCESS COMES THROUGH A CLEAR, STRONG PURPOSE
BETTER BE YOUR FRIEND'S NETTLE THAN HIS ECHO
NOTHING CAN NEED A LIE
BAD SPELLING IS A REMEDIABLE INJURY
EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS IS NOBODY'S BUSINESS
PAY AS YOU GO, PUNCTUATE AS YOU WRITE
GENIUS COMMANDS ADMIRATION
HE CLIMBS HIGHEST WHO HELPS ANOTHER UP
HE WHO RUNS FROM A DIFFICULTY MUST FACE TWO
SCATTERED SEEDS INCREASE; BOARDED SEEDS DIE
WHEN THE FOX PREACHES BEWARE OF YOUR GEESE
TOIL IS THE PRICE OF EXCELLENCE
LONG LOOKING MULTIPLIES THE STARS
PENMANSHIP IS QUEEN OF THE ARTS
WHO DESPISES MINUTES CANNOT RESPECT ETERNITY
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
COMMAND OF HAND IS THE SOUL OF PENMANSHIP
PEDIGREES SELDOM IMPROVE WITH AGE
CULTIVATE TO PERFECTION THE ART OF WRITING
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT
THERE IS NO ROYAL ROAD TO EXCELLENCE
MOTIVE IS A WELL, METHOD A PUMP
LABOR IS A BETTER REWARD THAN LUCRE
BETTER SOLITUDE THAN BASE ASSOCIATIONS
DROP OF INK MAY MAKE A MILLION THINK
CHEERFULNESS IS AN EXCELLENT WEARING QUALITY
A LAUGH IS WORTH A HUNDRED GROANS
A MAN'S BEST FRIENDS ARE HIS TEN FINGERS
GIVE A DEAF EAR TO SLANDER
COL. MILLER AT LUNDY’S LANE: “I’LL TRY, SIR”
SAVING TIME IS LENGTHENING LIFE
ALL THINGS ARE EASY THAT ARE DONE WILLINGLY
CARE AND DILIGENCE BRING A SURE REWARD
ACCURATE AND RAPID WORK IS ALWAYS IN DEMAND
REPUTATIONS MAY BE RUINED BY FOOLISH LETTERS
WRITE BRIEF LETTERS AS A RULE
ANSWER ALL LETTERS PROMPTLY
AN ANONYMOUS LETTER IS THE WEAPON OF A COWARD
CIVILITY COSTS NOTHING
HE THAT RESPECTS NOT IS NOT RESPECTED
MY ACTIONS MUST MAKE MY LIFE
A ROLLING STONE GATHERS NO MOSS
CHARACTER IS THE POOR MANS SAVINGS BANK
BUSINESS BEFORE PLEASURE
BUSINESS IS THE SALT OF LIFE
DEBT IS THE JAILOR OF CREDIT
ECONOMY IS OF PRICELESS VALUE
SERVE YOUR INTEGRITY OF CHARACTER AT ANT COST
IT IS THE FIRST STEP THAT COSTS
INVITATIONS SHOULD HAVE IMMEDIATE RESPONSES
THY LIGHT IS NOT LESS FOR LIGHTING THY NEIGHBOR
EFFORT CANNOT ALWAYS TAKE THE PLACE OF GENIUS
CULTIVATE SYSTEMATIC HABITS IN AFFAIRS
CHARACTER TELLS IN ALL CONDITIONS OF LIFE
THE DAYS OF CHANCE ARE GONE
HASTY JUDGMENTS ARE RARELY SOUND ONES
MANNERS OFTEN MAKE FORTUNES
CHANGE OF FORTUNE IS THE LOT OF LIFE
WEALTH MAKES FRIENDS
INVESTMENTS IN KNOWLEDGE PAY THE BEST INTEREST
KIND WORDS COST NOTHING
IN THE MIDST OF LIFE THERE IS DEATH
NEITHER PRAISE NOR DISPARAGE THYSELF
WORK IS OIL; WORRY IS ACID
USEFULNESS IS THE BADGE OF TRUE KNIGHTHOOD
PROVIDENCE PROVIDES FOR THE PROVIDENT
BETTER BE A MAN THAN A MILLIONAIRE
DO NOT WASTE TIME IN REGRETS OVER LOSSES
CAUTION IS THE FATHER OP SECURITY
THE PRICE OF TIME IS WILL AND SKILL
KEEP VALUABLE PAPERS IN A SAFE PLACE
THE HAND OF THE DILIGENT MAKETH RICH
BE SLOW IN BECOMING SECURITY FOR ANOTHER
A JUST MAN’S WORD IS AS GOOD AS HIS NOTE
LET YOUR ACTIONS BE EQUAL TO YOUR PROMISES
SEE DUTY IN THE PRESENT MOMENT
BASE ALL ACTIONS ON A PRINCIPLE OF RIGHT
ENERGY OVERCOMES DIFFICULTIES
GIVING CREDIT HAS BANKRUPTED THOUSANDS
CUT SHORT YOUR LOSSES LET YOUR PROFITS GO ON
TAKING RECEIPTS FOR MONEY PAID BARS ALL DISPUTES
BETTER HAVE A HEAD AND HEART THAN HOUSES AND LANDS
IF YOU UNDERTAKE TO DO A THING, DO IT
FALSE CONTENTMENT IS WORSE THAN POVERTY
IN SORROWING MONEY, BE PRECIOUS OF THY WORD
NEVER FAIL TO KEEP A PROMISE
YOUTH SHOULD BE A SAVINGS BANK
DISCOUNT YOUR NOTE BUT NOT YOUR WORD
CHARACTER TELLS IN ALL CONDITIONS OF LIFE
LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT
MUCH IS LITTLE WHEN GOD IS NOT CONSULTED
THE WEATHER VEERS TO EVERY POINT OF THE COMPASS
RATHER BE BEATEN IN RIGHT THAN SUCCEED IN WRONG
AIM TO BE AN EMPLOYER RATHER THAN AN EMPLOYEE
ONLY LIVE FISH SWIM UP STREAM
DEFEAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO SOMETHING BETTER
WATCH OPPORTUNITIES
HOLD YOUR GROUND AND PUSH HARD
MEN MAKE ANY SACRIFICE FOR MONEY
ECONOMIZE, AVOID DEBT
SPEND LESS THAN YOU EARN EACH YEAR
LITTLE THINGS ARE GREAT TO LITTLE MEN
PURSUING SHADOWS, YOU RUN AWAY FROM THE LIGHT
KEEP SAILING, NEVER DRIFT
ONE TODAY IS WORTH TWO TOMORROWS
BUSINESS NEGLECTED IS BUSINESS LOST
CREDIT IS BETTER THAN ILL LUCK
A DEBT IS ADORNED BY PAYMENT
THE SLEEPY FOX CATCHES NO POULTRY
PLEASURE 1S THE HAND MAID OF DUTY
BEWARE OF SURETYSHIP FOR THY BEST FRIEND
OPPORTUNITY IS THE CREAM OF TIME
A SINGLE FACT IS WORTH A SHIPLOAD OF ARGUMENT
HURRIED RESULTS ARE WORSE THAN NONE
ANGER BLOWS OUT THE LAMP OF THE MIND
KEEP COOL AND YOU COMMAND EVERYBODY
DRIFT IS AS BAD AS UNTHRIFT
USE SOFT WORDS AND HARD ARGUMENTS
DELIBERATING IS NOT DELAYING
WHO TOILS NOT, TRIUMPHS NOT
RESPECT A MAN AND HE WILL DO THE MORE
SUCCESS RIDES ON EVERY HOUR
GRAPPLE IT AND YOU MAY WIN
IT TAKES TWO TO MAKE A CONTRACT
A PURPOSE ONCE FIXED, THEN VICTORY OR DEATH
WORK IS THE WEAPON OF HONOR
TIME IS MONEY, BUT MONEY IS NOT TIME
A CHEERFUL FACE IS EVERY MAN’S DEBT TO THE WORLD
FREE TRADE WILL NOT LOWER THE PRICE OF BRAINS
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS IS HARD TO CLIMB
TIME AND PATIENCE CHANGE MULBERRY LEAVES TO SATIN
BLANK CARTRIDGE, BIG GUN; ALL TALK, LITTLE DONE
RIVULETS FILL A BOTTOMLESS CUP AS WELL AS NIAGARA
EGOTISTS FIND THE WORLD UGLY BECAUSE THEY SEE ONLY THEMSELVES
SCHOLARSHIP IS FINE; BUT IT DOES NOT ATONE FOR ILL BREEDING
DO YOU WISH MEN TO SPEAK WELL OF YOU THEN NEVER SPEAK WELL OF YOURSELF
NOT WHAT COMES INTO A MAN'S HAND, BUT WHAT HE SAVES FROM SLIPPING THROUGH,
ENRICHES HIM
IF LITTLE LABOR, LITTLE ARE OUR GAINS
MAN'S FORTUNES ARE ACCORDING TO HIS PAINS
POSSESSION IS NINE POINTS OF THE LAW
ALWAYS BE PUNCTUAL AT THE TIME APPOINTED
REST NOT, LIFE IS SWEEPING BY
GO AND DARE BEFORE YOU DIE
SHUN ALL TEMPTATIONS TO ILLICIT GAIN
CONSCIENCE AND WEALTH ARE NOT ALWAYS NEIGHBORS
THE DAY NEVER BECOMES BRIGHTER FINDING FAULT WITH THE SUN
SOME MEN ARE FRIGHTENED AT THEIR SINS OTHERS ARE HUMBLED, AND RUN FROM
THEM
THE MORTAGOR’S INTEREST –PAYING PRINCIPAL HIS PRINCIPLE SHOULD BE TO PAY THE
INTEREST
WHAT YOU DO NOT NEED IS DEAR AT A PENNY
A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN BAGS OF GOLD
THE EXCESSES OF YOUTH ARE DRAFTS ON OLD AGE PAYABLE WITH DRAFTS THIRTY
YEARS AFTER THE DATE
A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE
CONSTANT OCCUPATION PREVENTS TEMPTATION
DEPENDENCE IS A POOR TRADE TO FOLLOW
POLITENESS GOES FAR, YET COSTS NOTHING
BE THAT GOES A-BORROWING GOES A-SORROWING
MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES
GOD HELPS THOSE THAT HELP THEMSELVES
WILFUL WASTE MAKES WOEFUL WANT
THE GREATEST WEALTH IS CONTENTMENT WITH LITTLE
SORROW WILL PAY NO DEBT
QUICK RETURNS MAKE RICH MERCHANTS
MIS-RECKONING IS NO PAYMENT
OUT OF DEBT, OUT OF DANGER
NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING WON
EVERYTHING VENTURED, NOTHING HAD
THERE IS NO COMPASSION L1KE THE PENNY
NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
DEPEND NOT ON FORTUNE BUT ON CONDUCT
LEARN TO LIVE, AND LIVE TO LEARN
LICENSE IS ONE THING, LIBERTY ANOTHER
EVERY DAY 1S A LITTLE LIFE
PHILOSOPHER'S STONE: PAY AS YOU GO
FORTUNE OFTEN LEADS TO FOLLY
CHARACTER IS NOT INSURABLE
LUCK IS AN IGNIS FATUUS
POUND OF CARE WILL NOT PAY AN OUNCE OF DEBT
TOO LATE TO SPARE WHEN ALL IS SPENT
EVERY DONKEY LOVES TO HEAR HIMSELF BRAY
GROWTH IS BETTER THAN PERMANENCE
PERMANENT GROWTH IS BETTER THAN ALL
IF YOU WANT A THING WELL DONE, DO IT FOR YOURSELF
BETTER SET TEN MEN TO WORK THAN TO DO TEN MEN'S WORK
ONE THING AT A TIME
ALWAYS PAY A HUNDRED CENTS ON THE DOLLAR
PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE
EVERY MAN'S LIFE A PLAN OF GOD
A MAN GETS ONLY WHAT HE EARNS
ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF SUCCESS
MAKE YOURSELF INDISPENSABLE
TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO MAN
TAKE TIME BY THE FORELOCK
GIVE NO ADVICE WITHOUT BEING ASKED
IF ANYBODY EVER DID IT, I CAN DO IT
ALWAYS IN HASTE, BUT NEVER IN A HURRY
KNOW EVERYTHING OF SOMETHING, KNOW SOMETHING OF EVERYTHING
NO SUCH WORD AS FAIL
WORTH IS NOT TAILOR-MADE
SUNSHINE IN THE HEART KEEPS WRINKLES OUT OF THE FACE
HAVE A WORK. AIM AT IT, HIT IT
ARROWS SHOT AT VENTURE NEVER HIT
EVERY MAN FOR THE GOOD OF ALL
OF TWO EVILS CHOOSE NEITHER
ABSTAIN FROM EVERY FORM OF EVIL
MARRYING FOR WEALTH IS SELLING ONE'S LIBERTY
BEGIN EVERYTHING AT THE RIGHT END, A MULE IS TAMEST AT FRONT
RIGHT MAKES RIGHT
RUST ROTS STEEL WHICH USE PRESERVES
SAY NOT "'TIS IMPOSSIBLE’”
BE NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS
BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS
BE NOT DISTURBED ABOUT TRIFLES
LET ALL YOUR THINGS HAVE THEIR PLACES
LET EACH PART OF YOUR BUSINESS HAVE ITS TIME
RESOLVE TO PERFORM WHAT YOU OUGHT, PERFORM WITHOUT FAIL WHAT YOU
RESOLVE
WRONG NO ON BY DOING INJURIES
OMIT NOT THE BENEFITS THAT ARE YOUR DUTY
AVOID EXTREMES, FORBEAR RESENTING INJURIES
THE MAN WHO IS IN DEBT CARRIES A WORLD OF TROUBLE
WATER SEEKS ITS LEVEL, SO DO BRAINS
NOTHING DECEIVES LIKE DISHONEST FIGURES
DO GOOD UNTO ALL MEN
BE SURE YOU CAN OBEY GOOD LAWS BEFORE YOU TRY TO ALTER POOR ONES
NO SECRET OF SUCCESS BUT WORK
FEW MEN CAN ENDURE GREAT SUCCESS
GREAT SUCCESS TURNS MOST MEN'S HEADS
HAVE ONE GOOD BUSINESS AND STICK TO IT
CONTENTMENT IS GETTER THAN RICHES
WHAT MAN HAS DONE MAN CAN DO
DOE YE NEXTE THYNGR
NEVER GIVE UP ONE JOB UNTIL YOU GET ANOTHER
STICK TO YOUR FRIENDS IN ADVERSITY
ALL MEN ARE EQUAL, IF UPRIGHT AND HONEST
ETERNITY HAS NO GRAY HAIRS
NOW IS THE DAY, AND NOW IS THE HOUR
MANY A LITTLE MAKES A NICKEL
ORDER IS HEAVEN'S FIRST LAW
BETTER TO DESERVE SUCCESS THAN TO HAVE IT
FAITHFUL IN LEAST, FAITHFUL IN MUCH
MAKE EVERY ARTICLE RELIABLE
TRUST IN GOD AND KEEP TOUR POWDER DRY
THE TRUTH WILL OUT
DISHONEST MEN CONCEAL THEIR FAULTS, HONEST MEN KNOW AND CONFESS THEM
GAMBLING IS AS FASCINATING AS A RATTLESNAKE
THROW DICE, BUT THROW THEM AWAY
A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED
ALWAYS READ BEFORE SIGNING
AN IDLE BRAIN BREEDS IDLE THOUGHTS
PERSEVERANCE CONQUERS ALL THINGS
BEWARE OF STRANGERS WHO OFFER YOU GREAT INDUCEMENTS. BEWARE! BEWARE!!
BEWARE!!!
SPARE MOMENTS ARE THE GOLD DUST OF TIME
WORK AND VOTE AS YOU TALK AND PRAY
COUNT THE DA Y LOST WHOSE LOW DESCENDING SEES VIEWS FROM THY HAND NO
WORTHY ACTION DONE
DON'T TRY TO GET SOMETHING FOE NOTHING
STEADY APPLICATION, "PEGGING AT IT "
TOIL AND HOPE IN EARLY LIFE
EVERY TUB MUST STAND ON ITS OWN BOTTOM
HONOR AND PROFIT ARE NOT ALWAYS IN THE SAME SACK
THERE IS ALWAYS WORK FOR SKILLED HANDS
TO HIM THAT HA'IH SHALL BE GIVEN
"THERE ARE TOO MANY DOGS," SAID A CUR, "NOT TOO MANY GOOD ONES," REPLIED A
SETTER
THE HEARTS THAT DARE ARE QUICK TO FEEL
FATHER TIME ISSUES NO LETTERS OF CREDIT
GOOD NATURE IS THE BEAUTY OF THE MIND
LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, OR POLISH UP THE DARK ONE
A THOUGHT AT THE START SA VES A GROAN AT THE END
WHO COMES LATE STAYS HALF AT HOME
FAITHLESS TO HOMESPUN, DISLOYAL TO BROADCLOTH
PULLING ANOTHER DOWN MEANS GETTING BELOW HIM
HAPPINESS SHINES IN ALL WEATHER
THINK OUT TOUR WORK, WORK OUT YOUR THOUGHTS
LOOSE LAW AT HOME MEANS LYNCH LAW ABROAD
A COURTESY POSTPONED IS A JOY DETHRONED
A CORN-COB STOPPER DON'T HURT MILK IN A JUG
BETTER SAW WOOD WELL THAN PLEAD LAW POORLY
NO PAINS, NO GAINS
MANY A SLIP BETWEEN THE CUP AND THE LIP
HARD LABOR PREVENTS HARD LUCK
BETTER CUT THE SHOE THAN PINCH THE FOOT
DIRT IS DIRTIEST UPON THE FAIREST SPOTS
"NOW" IS ON THE BANNER OF THE PRUDENT
FRICTION WEARS OUT MACHINERY; WORRY, NOT WORK, USES UP MEN
EVERY MAN DESIRES LONG LIFE BUT NO MANY WOULD BE OLD
A FAT KITCHEN MAKES A LEAN WILL
RUNNING AFTER A SHADOW IS A WEARISOME RACE
CONTENTMENT MAKES THE POOREST MAN RICH, DISCONTENT MAKES THE MILLIONAIRE
POOR
NEVER QUIT CERTAINTY FOR HOPE
LITTLE AND OFTEN FILLS THE PURSE
THOUGHT IS MORTAR, DEEDS ARE STONE
TO BE AN HONEST MAN IS THE MASTER CRAFT
NEVER PROMISE WHAT YOU CANNOT FULFIL
ILL GOTTEN GOODS SELDOM PROSPER
THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
THE EARLY WORM IS A VICTIM OF THE EARLY BIRD
SH1NE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD, BUT DO NOT PUT THE CANDLE IN A DRAUGHT
A BUSINESS WILL RUN ITSELF ONLY ONE
GRAVITY IS ALWAYS DOWNWARD
KEEP SMILING
FIGURES DON’T LIE IF LIARS DON’T FIGURE
MAGNIFY YOUR OFFICE, THE ORGAN BLOWER SAYS “I CAN PUMP ANY TUNE THE
ORGANIST CAN PLAY”
THE MOUNTAIN OF SUCCESS DOES NOT COME TO US WE MUST GO TO IT STEP BY STEP
WOULD YOU LIVE LONG WORK HARD
LITTLE STROKES FELL LARGE OAKS
HE THAT WOULD THRIVE MUST RISE AT FIVE
MAN, KNOW THY WORK AND DO IT
IF NO WHALES, TRY AN OIL WELL
IF THE STAGE ROUTE IS STOPPED, STRIKE FOR THE CARS
FIREFLIES SHINE ONLY WHEN IN MOTION
A YOUNG MAN IDLE -- AN OLD MAN NEEDY
ONLY THE ACTIVE CAN HOPE TO SHINE
BICYCLE RIDERS MOVE OR FALL
DOING NOTHING IS NEXT NEIGHBOR TO DOING WRONG
A ROCKING-HORSE MAKES MOTION, BUT NO PROGRESS
BICYCLE RIDERS MOVE OR FALL
THE RICH REPROVE THE POOR FOR IDLENESS
DO NOT WAIT FOR SOMETHING TO TURN UP, THOSE WHO DO, ARE LIKELY TO TURN UP IN
JAIL
NO ONE WAS EVER LOST ON A STRAIGHT ROAD
CHEERFULNESS IS A DUTY WE OWE TO OTHERS
THE ASS BRATS AT THE DOG FOR BARKING
I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT THAN PRESIDENT
A WOODEN POT CANNOT OFTEN BE PUT ON THE FIRS.
STEALING TIME MAY BE WORSE THAN STEALING MONEY
BETTER A DONKEY THAT CARRIES YOU THAN A HORSE THAT THROWS YOU
TALKING PAYS NO TOLL
TREAD ON HOT COALS AND YOUR FEET WILL BE BURNED
CREDIT LOST IS LIKE VENICE GLASS BROKEN
A MEAN ACT WILL SOON RECOIL
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
TREAT WITH MEN ABOUT BUSINESS AT FIT TIMES
A BOY IS BETTER UNBORN THAN UNTAUGHT
HE THAT REGARDETH THE CLOUDS SHALL NOT REAP
WHO LIES DOWN WITH DOGS RISES WITH FLEAS
TIME TO A BUSINESS MAN IS MONEY
BE PROMPT TO ADMIT AND RECTIFY A WRONG
HE THAT LOVETH WINE AND OIL SHALL NOT BE RICH
JUMP WHILE THE WAVE IS ON THE SWELL
TALL OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW
DO THE DUTY THAT LIES NEAREST THEE
IT IS EASY TO BE NOTHING
HOPE FOR THE BEST BUT BE READY FOR THE WORST
THE TABLE ROBS MORE THAN THE THIEF
BEFORE HONOR IS HUMILITY
EASY COME EASY GO
HIS PLENTY MADE HIM POOR
THEY LOSE THE WORLD WHO BUT IT WITH MUCH CAKE
BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES
THRIFT IS BLESSING, IF MEN STEAL IT NOT
TIS DEEDS MUST WIN THE PRIZE
NO LEGACY IS SO RICH AS HONESTY
CARE’S AN ENEMY TO LIFE
THERE IS NO DARKNESS BUT IGNORANCE
TOO LIGHT WINNING MAKES THE PRIZE LIGHT
VIRTUE IS BOLD, AND GOODNESS NEVER FEARFUL
SWEET MERCY IS NOBILITY'S TRUE BADGE
THEY STUMBLE THAT RUN FAST
I WASTED TIME AND NOW DOTH TIME WASTE ME
A PURE CONSCIENCE MAY DEFY GOSSIP
THERE IS NO EDUCATION LIKE ADVERSITY
PLEASURE SHOULD FOLLOW BUSINESS
WHOEVER IS CONTENTED, HE IS RICH
NOT FAILURE, BUT LOW AIM IS CRIME
THOSE CAN CONQUER WHO THINK THEY CAN
FACTS AND FIGURES ARE STUBBORN THINGS
HIS PLENTY MADE HIM POOR
SUCCESS IS OFTEN A CAUSE OF FAILURE, PROSPERTY OF GOODS SHALL DESTROY THEM
A WELL LIGHTED LAMP MUST BE KEPT FILLED
MONEY OFTEN MAKES THE MARE RUN AWAY WITH YOU
DO THAT FOR WHICH YOU ARE FITTED
A CHICKEN CANNOT SWIM WITH DUCKS
HUNGER TEACHES MANY THINGS
POVERTY IS THE MOTHER OF ALL ARTS
WISE DON'T WAIT FOR THE WAGON WHILE WALKING 1S GOOD
SET A STOUT HEART AGAINST A STIFF WILL
GOD EXPECTS YOU TO DO YOUR BEST
DO NOT HUNT PARTRIDGES WITH A BAND OF MUSIC
GOLDEN DEEDS MAKE GOLDEN DAYS
A DAY OF WORRY IS WORSE THAN A WEEK OF WORK
FONDNESS OF FAME IS AVARICE OF AIR
DELAYS HAVE DANGEROUS ENDS
EFFORT IS THE PRICE OF CONQUEST
A DAY MISSPENT IS LOST
SAFE PRINCIPLES AND RULES
1. Remember that time is gold.
2. True intelligence is always modest.
3. Never covet what is not your own.
4. Don't cultivate a sense of over-smartness.
5. A man of honor respects his word as he does his note.
6. Shun lawsuits, and never take money risks that you can avoid.
7. Endeavor to be perfect in the calling in which you are engaged.
8. Keep your eyes on small expenses. Small leaks sink a great ship.
9. Keep your health good by adopting regular and steady habits.
10. Never forget a favor, for ingratitude is the basest trait of a man's mean character.
11. Remember that the rich are generally plain, while rogues dress well and talk smoothly.
12. Remember that steady, earnest effort alone leads to wealth and high position.
13. Never be afraid to say no. Every successful man must have the backbone to assert his rights.
14. Avoid the tricks of trade; be honest, and never misrepresent an article that you desire to sell.
15. The only safe rule is, never to allow a single year to pass by without laying up something for
the future.
16. Remember that trickery, cheating and indolence are never found as attributes of a thrifty and
progressive man.
17. Do not be ashamed of hard work. Work for the best salary or wages you can get, but work for
anything rather than to be idle.
18. Be not ashamed to work, for it is one of the conditions of our existence. There is no criminal
who does not owe his crime to some idle hour.
19. To industry and economy add self-reliance. Do not take too much advice, think for yourself.
Independence will add vigor and inspiration to your labors.
GOOD BUSINESS MAXIMS .
1. Goods well bought are half sold.
2. Write a good, plain, legible hand.
3. Keep your word as good as a bank.
4. Goods in store are better than bad debts.
5. Never refuse a choice when you can get it.
6. Never take any chances on another man's game.
7. Never sign a paper without first reading it carefully.
8. Never gamble or take chances on the Board of Trade.
9. Remember that an honest man is the noblest work of God
10. Your first ambition should be the acquisition of knowledge pertaining to your business.
11. Of two investments, choose that which will best promote your regular business.
12. By prosecuting a useful business energetically, humanity is benefited.
13. Keep accurate accounts, and know the exact condition of your affairs.
14. Be economical; a gain usually requires expense; what is saved is clear.
15. Endeavor to be perfect in the calling in which you are engaged.
16. Never fail to meet a business engagement, however irksome it may be at that moment.
17. Never sign a paper for a stranger. Think nothing insignificant which has a bearing upon your
success.
18. Avoid litigation as much as possible, study for yourself the theory of commercial law, and be
your own lawyer.
19. Undertake no business without mature reflection, and confine your capital closely to the
business you "have established.
20. Lead a regular life, avoid display, and choose your associates discreetly, and prefer the
society of men of your own type.
21. Be affable, polite, and obliging to everybody; avoid discussions, anger, and pettishness;
interfere with no disputes the creation of others.
22. Never misrepresent, falsify, or deceive; have one rule of moral life, never swerve from it.
whatever may be the acts or opinions of other men
23. Make no investments without a full acquaintance with their nature and condition; and select
such investments as have intrinsic value.
24. Never run down a neighbor's property or goods and praise up your own. It is a mark of low
breeding, and will gain you nothing.
25. Above all things, acquire a good, correct epistolary style, for you are judged by the business
world according to the character, expression, and style of your letters.
26. During business hours attend to nothing but business, but be prompt in responding to all
communications, and never suffer a letter to remain without an answer.
27. Never form the habit of talking about your neighbors, or repeating things that you hear others
say. You will avoid much unpleasantness, and sometimes serious difficulties.
28. Finally, examine carefully every detail of your business. Be prompt in everything. Take time
to consider, and then decide positively. Dare to go forward. Bear troubles patiently. Be brave in
the struggle of life. Maintain your integrity as a sacred thing. Never tell business lies. Make no
useless acquaintances. Never appear something more than you are. Pay your debts promptly.
Shun strong liquor. Employ our time well. Never be discouraged. Then work hard and you will
succeed.
GENIUS, CAPITAL, SKILL, LABOR
Here is a comparative table of genius, capital, skill and labor, on the mutual basis of the almighty
dollar.
Genius. The power that enabled Tennyson to take a piece of paper and make it worth sixty-five
thousand dollars by writing a poem on it.
Capital. The ability to write a few words on a sheet
of paper and make it worth five million dollars, as a Vanderbilt can do.
Skill. The ability to take twenty-five cents! worth of steel and make it into watch-springs worth
fourteen thousand dollars, as a mechanic can do.
Labor. The act of working ten hours a day and shoveling three or four tons of earth for $1.50, as
the ditcher does.