The Art of Money Getting · Chapter
Preserve Your Integrity explained
This chapter argues that integrity is more valuable than wealth, warning that dishonesty ultimately closes doors to success.
What happens
This chapter argues that integrity is more valuable than wealth, warning that dishonesty ultimately closes doors to success. It distinguishes between the love of money as a root of evil and the proper use of wealth for human benefit, asserting that honest money-getters are benefactors of civilization.
Themes in this chapter
Honesty and Integrity
The central theme of the chapter, emphasizing that strict honesty is the foundation of all success and that dishonesty inevitably leads to ruin.
Wealth and Character Development
Discusses the proper use of wealth for human benefit and distinguishes between virtuous money-getters and misers.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Franklin
Quoted for the maxim 'honesty is the best policy' as a practical foundation for success.
Key passages
“The old miser said to his sons: 'Get money; get it honestly if you can, but get money:'”
A greedy father advised his sons to acquire wealth by any means, even dishonesty if necessary.
Illustrates the folly of prioritizing money over integrity.
“Strict honesty, not only lies at the foundation of all success in life (financially), but in every other respect.”
Complete honesty is essential not just for financial success but for all aspects of a successful life.
Core thesis of the chapter.
“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”
A person with a reputation for honesty can always borrow from others because they trust him to repay.
Highlights the practical advantage of integrity.
“There are many rich poor men”
Many wealthy individuals are actually impoverished in spirit or happiness.
Distinguishes between material wealth and true success.
“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”
While greed for money causes harm, money used wisely can benefit humanity and bring satisfaction.
Clarifies the moral stance on wealth.